Anti-Metastatic Effects of Crocodile Blood Powder through E-cadherin Activation and Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibition in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Crocodile blood is a rich and valuable source of bioactive compounds derived from natural products. Crocodile blood powder (CP) has garnered significant attention for its potential applications in human health treatment. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of CP on the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. METHODS: We analyzed the protein content of CP using MS/MS techniques. The effects of CP on cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and invasion were assessed using immunofluorescence, a wound healing assay, a transwell invasion assay, and Western blot analysis, respectively. RESULT: The findings indicated that CP could inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cell lines. Additionally, CP increased caspase-3 expression, inducing apoptosis in HepG2 cells. CP treatment also reduced metastasis and invasion of HepG2 cells. Immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses revealed that CP upregulated E-cadherin expression, while downregulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study demonstrated that CP inhibits HepG2 cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis. Furthermore, CP suppresses metastasis and invasion by increasing E-cadherin expression and downregulating MMP-2 and MMP-9. Thus, CP may serve as a promising candidate for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.