Liquidambaris fructus inhibits osteosarcoma through PTGS2/TGFB1 and regulates efferocytosis.

Background: Liquidambaris Fructus can play an anti-tumor role by triggering cell cycle blockade and apoptosis and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Objectives: To evaluate the effects and potential mechanism of Liquidambaris Fructus on 143B cells and MNNG/HOS CI #5 cells. Methods: Cell viability of 143B cells and MNNG/HOS CI #5 cells was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. A transwell cell migration assay was performed to detect cell migration and invasion. Cell apoptosis was assayed by flow cytometry. Network pharmacology method was used to predict the potential targets and pathway of Liquidambaris Fructus against osteosarcoma. Protein levels were determined using Western blot, while mRNA levels were detected using RT-qPCR analysis. In vitro efferocytosis assay of apop143B-MHSW and apopMNNG-HMDMs was detected by flow cytometry. Results: Liquidambaris Fructus can effectively increase 143B and MNNG/HOS CI #5 cell apoptosis levels and inhibit 143B and MNNG/HOS CI #5 cell viability, migration and invasion. Network pharmacology showed that PTGS2 and TGFB1 were two targets related to the enriched efferocytosis pathway. Liquidambaris Fructus inhibited proteins and mRNA of PTGS2 and TGFB1 expression levels in 143B and MNNG/HOS CI #5 cells. Liquidambaris Fructus inhibited PTGS2 and TGFB1 levels in the co-culture of osteosarcoma cells and macrophages. Liquidambaris Fructus inhibited efferocytosis. Conclusion: Liquidambaris Fructus can target PTGS2 and TGFB1 to inhibit osteosarcoma cell growth and metastasis, as well as to inhibit efferocytosis, thus alleviating osteosarcoma.