TY  - JOUR
TI  - Liquidambaris fructus inhibits osteosarcoma through PTGS2/TGFB1 and regulates efferocytosis
AU  - Deng, Lan
AU  - Jiang, Mo
AU  - Zhang, Chen
AU  - You, Rihui
AU  - Huang, Zhiyao
AU  - Chen, Wenhui
JO  - Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
JA  - Pak. J. Pharm. Sci.
VL  - 39
IS  - 5
SP  - 1568
EP  - 1577
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/05
KW  - Efferocytosis
KW  - Liquidambaris fructus
KW  - Mechanism
KW  - Network pharmacology
KW  - Osteosarcoma
DO  - 10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.5.REG.13984.1
AB  - Background: Liquidambaris Fructus has demonstrated anti-tumor effects by inducing cell cycle arrest, promoting apoptosis and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Objectives: This study evaluated the effects and potential mechanisms of Liquidambaris Fructus on osteosarcoma cell lines 143B and MNNG/HOS CI #5. Methods: Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, while cell migration and invasion were evaluated using Transwell assays. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Network pharmacology was used to predict potential targets and pathways of Liquidambaris Fructus against osteosarcoma. Protein expression levels were analyzed using Western blotting and mRNA levels using RT-qPCR. In vitro efferocytosis assays involving apoptotic osteosarcoma cells and macrophages were assessed using flow cytometry. Results: Liquidambaris Fructus significantly increased apoptosis in 143B and MNNG/HOS CI #5 cells while inhibiting cell viability, migration and invasion. Network pharmacology analysis identified PTGS2 and TGFB1 as key targets involved in the efferocytosis pathway. Treatment with Liquidambaris Fructus reduced both protein and mRNA expression levels of PTGS2 and TGFB1 in osteosarcoma cells and in co-culture systems with macrophages. Additionally, Liquidambaris Fructus inhibited efferocytosis. Conclusion: Liquidambaris Fructus suppresses osteosarcoma cell growth and metastasis by targeting PTGS2 and TGFB1 and regulating efferocytosis, indicating its potential therapeutic role in osteosarcoma treatment.
ER  -