Two novel 1,4‑naphthoquinone derivatives induce human gastric cancer cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by regulating reactive oxygen species‑mediated MAPK/Akt/STAT3 signaling pathways

摘要: 1,4‑Naphthoquinone derivatives have superior anticancer effects, but their use has been severely limited in clinical practice due to adverse side effects. To reduce the effects and extend of 1,4‑naphthoquinone derivatives, 2‑(butane‑1‑sulfinyl)‑1,4‑naphthoquinone (BQ) 2‑(octane‑1‑sulfinyl)‑1,4‑naphthoquinone (OQ) were synthesized, activities investigated. The anti‑proliferation determined by MTT assays, showed that BQ OQ significantly inhibited viability gastric cancer cells had no significant cytotoxic effect on normal cell lines. apoptotic was flow cytometry, results induced apoptosis regulating mitochondrial pathway cycle arrest at G2/M phase via inhibition Akt signaling AGS cells. Furthermore, increased levels reactive oxygen species (ROS) this blocked ROS scavenger NAC upregulating protein expression p38 JNK downregulating ERK STAT3. these proteins also after treatment. These demonstrated stimulating generation, which caused subsequent activation MAPK, STAT3 pathways. Thus, may serve as potential therapeutic agents for treatment human cancer.