Cordycepin regulates PI3K/AKT/FOXO3 pathway through ROS to sensitize photodynamic therapy of esophageal cancer

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for tumor treatment has limited efficacy because the generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) are acute and transient. Cordycepin has been confirmed to promote the production of ROS in tumor cells. However, whether it can sensitize the efficacy of PDT on esophageal cancer (EC) has not yet been studied. Flow cytometry to detect apoptosis and generation of ROS. ELISA detected the content of inflammatory factors IL-18 and IL-1β. RT-qPCR and Western-blot detected the expression of related genes and proteins. Cordycepin and PDT inhibited cell proliferation and colony - forming ability, induced apoptosis. Meanwhile, the levels of IL - 18 and IL - 1β were elevated. The expression levels of p - PI3K/PI3K, p - AKT/AKT were significantly reduced and ROS, FOXO3 were increased. Cordycepin sensitizes PDT treatment of EC through ROS/PI3K/AKT/FOX03 pathway, providing ideas for improving PDT treatment effect of EC.