Objective: To explore the effect of cryptotanshinone (CTS) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in U2OS osteosarcoma cells, with a focus on angiogenesis.
Methods: U2OS osteosarcoma cells cultured in vitro were divided into (20, 40, 80, 160) μmol/L CTS treated groups and control group. Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to detect the expression of VEGF mRNA in U2OS osteosarcoma cells. The VEGF protein level was determined using Western blotting and immunofluorescence cytochemistry. Cell proliferation ability was detected by CCK-8 assay. The tube formation assay in vitro was used to observe the angiogenesis ability.
Results: CTS inhibited the levels of VEGF mRNA and protein in a dose-dependent manner in U2OS osteosarcoma cells obviously. CCK-8 assay indicated that CTS inhibited the proliferation of U2OS osteosarcoma cells. The tube formation assay in vitro revealed that CTS inhibited the angiogenesis ability.
Conclusion: CTS could down-regulate the expression of VEGF and inhibit angiogenesis in U2OS osteosarcoma cells.