Cepharanthine, A Regulator Of Keap1-Nrf2, Inhibits Gastric Cancer Growth Through Oxidative Stress And Energy Metabolism Pathway

Cepharanthine (CEP), a compound from Stephania Cephalantha Hayata, shows promise in treating gastric cancer by inducing oxidative stress and altering energy metabolism. In vitro, CEP inhibited the activity of gastric cancer cell lines AGS, HGC27, and MFC by promoting apoptosis, causing G2 cell cycle arrest, and increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Mechanistically, CEP reduced Keap1 expression and activated Nrf2, enhancing the transcription of its target genes, which are involved in oxidative stress response. Additionally, CEP altered metabolic substances, affecting energy metabolism in AGS cells. In vivo studies with MFC BALB/c nude mice confirmed CEP's tumor growth inhibition, supporting its potential as a gastric cancer treatment.