Backgorund/Aim: Wogonin, a flavonoid-like compound extracted from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has been shown to have anticancer effects against cancer cells. Osteosarcoma is the most malignant type of bone cancer and can appear in any bone, with a high propensity for relapse and metastasis. The present study aimed to assess the anticancer effects of wogonin on osteosarcoma stem cells.
Materials and methods: The cytotoxic effects of wogonin on CD133+ Cal72 osteosarcoma stem cells were assessed through in vitro experiments by MTT assay, transwell assay, sphere-formation assay, flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry and western blotting.
Results: Wogonin suppressed stem cell characteristics and the expression of stem cell-related genes by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and ROS-related signaling of CD133+ Cal72 cells, effects which were reversed by ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine.
Conclusion: Wogonin may be a promising candidate for successful clinical management of osteosarcoma by regulating ROS-related mechanisms and stem cell-related genes.
Keywords: ROS; Wogonin; cancer stem cells; osteosarcoma; stemness.
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