Shanxian Granule Serum Suppresses Hepatic Oval Cell Malignant Transformation by Targeting the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

Aim In this study, we aimed to investigate how SXG serum attenuates the malignant phenotype in HOC. Methods Rat hepatic oval cells (HOC), WB-F344 was induced to undergo malignant transformation using N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitroso (MNNG). MNNG-treated WB-F344 cells were administered dose-dependent levels (low/medium/high) SXG-containing serum to evaluate its inhibitory effects. To examine pathway involvement, the Wnt agonist CP21R7 was co-administered with high-dose SXG serum. Cellular proliferation was quantified by MTT assay, while Wnt/β-catenin pathway components (wnt3a, β-catenin, C-Myc) were analyzed at mRNA levels using qPCR. Results Compared with the normal group, the Model showed a significantly enhanced cell proliferation capacity (P<0.05). Relative to the Model, the experimental group exhibited a significant decrease in cell proliferation (P<0.05). Moreover, SXG-containing serum significantly downregulated wnt3a β-catenin and C-Myc expression. which are important components of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and CP21R7 can antagonize the SXG effect (P<0.05). Conclusion SXG inhibits oncogenic transformation of WB-F344 cells by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.