Salvianolic acid B inhibits proliferation, migration and aerobic glycolysis of melanoma cells via regulation of PKM2 in vitro

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential effects of Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) on the viability and glycolytic activity of melanoma cells and elucidate the underlying mechanism of these changes. METHODS: CCK-8, FCM, and colony formation assays were performed to examine the effects of Sal B on the viability and apoptosis of melanoma cells. Transwell and immunostaining assays were conducted to determine the effects of Sal B on melanoma cell motility and EMT. In addition, glucose consumption, lactic acid production and ATP production were detected using their kits, and Immunoblot assays were conducted to determine the mechanism. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that Sal B inhibits the proliferation of melanoma cells, while also promoting apoptosis. Sal B could also inhibit the migration and EMT of melanoma cells, suppress abnormal glycolysis, and mechanistically, exerted these effects by blocking PKM2 expression. CONCLUSION: Sal B suppressed the viability and abnormal glycolysis of melanoma cells by mediating PKM2 expression.