Effect of Fuzheng Pill on Liver Cancer via the Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway

Fuzheng pill (FZP) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula with anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) effect in clinical practice, but its therapeutic mechanism is still unclear. In this study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method was used to analyze the chemical composition of FZP, and combined with in vivo and in vitro experiments, to explore its potential mechanism of action in the treatment of liver cancer. A total of 236 components were identified in FZP. In vivo experiments revealed that FZP suppressed tumor growth, improved immune function, and reversed liver and kidney injury caused by tumors, as shown by significant increases in the immune organ index, and that the levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α significantly increased after its administration. Serum biochemical indicators of liver and kidney function decreased. FZP inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells. Flow cytometry and Western blot results revealed that FZP modulated the expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, and cleaved Caspase-3, and promoted cell apoptosis. FZP may promote the apoptosis of tumor cells by activating the endogenous Bax/Bcl-2/cleaved Caspase-3 apoptosis pathway, which is mediated by mitochondria. These findings revealed the potential of FZP in the treatment of HCC and provided more treatment options for patients.