Baicalein Inhibits DMBA/TPA-Induced Skin Tumorigenesis in Mice by Modulating Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Inflammation

Abstract

Baicalein, one of the four major flavanoids extracted from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis, has been shown to exert chemopreventive effect against several cancers, including skin cancer. However, the precise mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the chemopreventive activity of baicalein against 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-mediated skin tumorigenesis in C57BL/6 mice. We found that topical treatment with baicalein resulted in a significant inhibitory effect on DMBA/TPA-mediated tumor promotion. Furthermore, we observed that baicalein suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in DMBA/TPA-mediated group. Additionally, pretreatment with baicalein inhibited the production of inflammatory cells in DMBA/TPA-induced skin/tumors. Further experiments showed that baicalein reduced TPA-induced skin hyperplasia as well as infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the dermis. In conclusion, our data suggest that baicalein inhibits DMBA/TPA-induced skin tumorigenesis by suppressing proliferation and inflammation and promoting apoptosis.

The Fascinating Effects of Baicalein on Cancer: A Review

“…In fact, baicalein treatment inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, baicalein suppressed inflammation in DMBA/TPA induced skin cancer and reduced skin hyperplasia, as well as leukocyte infiltration [58]. Ezrin is highly expressed in skin cancer, plays an important role in the metastasis of tumors, and was found to be involved in the inhibition of skin carcinoma by baicalein.…”

Baicalein inhibits agonist- and tumor cell-induced platelet aggregation while suppressing pulmonary tumor metastasis via cAMP-mediated VASP phosphorylation along with impaired MAPKs and PI3K-Akt activation

“…Previous investigations showed that baicalein exerts chemopreventive effects against several types of cancer [39], and that its anti-inflammatory and cyto-protective activities are predicated on anti-oxidative and radical quenching properties [40][41][42][43]. Furthermore, baicalein has pro-apoptotic activities given its ability to induce Ca 2+ -dependent mitochondrial dysfunction and to influence reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated pathways [44][45][46][47].…”

Short‐Term Efficacy of Pudilan Keyanning Toothpaste in Treatment of Minor Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers

“…It has also been shown to inhibit the expression of TNF and IL-6, thus enhancing recovery from infection [43]. Scutellaria baicalensis was reported to be able to remove free radicals, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, inhibit replication of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus hemolyticus , and inhibit the migration of inflammatory cells, thereby alleviating local inflammation [44, 45]. Propolis extract has been shown to inhibit growth of pathogenic microorganisms, inflammatory reactions, and ulcers and to alleviate pain [46].…”