Salvianolic Acid B Represses Cervical Cancer Cell Malignant Biological Behaviors via Modulating PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

Objective: This study aimed to uncover the functions of salvianolic acid B (SalB) on biological behavior of cervical cancer cells and associated mechanisms. Methods: Human Hela cervical cancer cells were exposed to 0, 0.5, 1, 2.5 µmol/L SalB, respectively, and divided into control group, SalB low-dose group, SalB middle-dose group and SalB high-dose group. CCK-8, colony-formation, scratch test, Transwell and flow cytometry experiments were implemented for functional test. Glucose detection kit, lactic acid detection kit, ELISA detection kit to detect glycolysis index. Western blotting was utilized to observe PI3K/AKT expressions. Results: The effect of SalB on Hela cells was concentration-dependent, with a significant reduction in growth, invasion, migration ability and glycolysis metabolism, as well as a significant enhancement in the level of apoptosis observed in the SalB medium-dose group and the SalB high-dose group. The levels of P-PI3K and P-AKT were markedly declined after SalB administration, revealing that SalB administration depleted PI3K/AKT activity. Conclusion: SalB was observed to exert a repressive effect on Hela cell growth, invasiveness, migrating capacity and glycolysis, while simultaneously promoting apoptosis. It is postulated that these functional mechanisms may be linked to the inactivation of PI3K/AKT signalling.