Abstract: AIM: To study the effects of forsythiaside B on HeLa cells proliferation by inhibiting NF-κB through p21/Cyclin E/CDK2 signaling pathway. METHODS: The cell activity of HeLa cells was observed by MTT assay after 24 h, 48 h and 72 h treatment with different concentration (1, 2, 4 μmol/L) of forsythiaside B. The clone formation of HeLa cells was evaluated with the condition of different concentrations of forsythiaside B. The expression of transcription factor NF-κB (p-p65 and p65) was determined, and the expression of p21, Cyclin E and CDK2 were detected as well.RESULTS:Forsythioside B inhibited the clone formation of HeLa cells in concentration dependent manner, and the inhibitory effect on HeLa cells' proliferation by forsythioside B was in both time and concentration dependent manner. Forsythioside B up-regulated p21 protein expression and down-regulated p-p65, Cyclin E and CDK2 protein expression. CONCLUSION:Forsythioside B inhibits the transcription factor NF-κB and affects the p21/Cyclin E/CDK2 signaling pathway, thus inhibiting the proliferation of HeLa cells.

Key words: forsythiaside B, NF-κB, HeLa cell, p21