Oleuropein changes the biological characteristics of the HepG2 cells by regulating the IL-6 / STAT3 pathway

Abstract

Aim: Oleuropein (Ole) possesses a wide array of pharmacological benefits. Despite Ole's well-established anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects, there remains a gap in the research concerning its specific mechanism of action.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of Ole treatment on various characteristics, such as the viability of the cells, wound healing, colony formation, and the protein levels of the IL-6 / STAT3 pathway were evaluated in vitro in HepG2 HCC cells.

Methods: Cell viability, wound healing, and colony formation assays were performed. IL-6 levels measurement by ELISA, STAT3, and pSTAT3 protein expression measurement by Western blotting were performed in Ole-treated HepG2 cells.

Results: Following the treatment of cells with Ole, there was a dose-dependent reduction in the viability of the cells and wound healing parameters. Colony formation was completely inhibited compared to control cells. Although IL-6 and STAT3 levels were strongly suppressed in Ole-treated cells compared to control cells, this difference did not achieve a statistical significance. Only pSTAT3 expression in Ole100-treated cells was significantly downregulated compared to control cells.

Conclusion: Based on our study, Ole treatment seems to have an impact on the characteristics of HCC cells through its effect on increased cell death, reduced cell migration, and the downregulation of the IL-6 / STAT3 pathway.