Leonurine ameliorates the STAT3 pathway through the upregulation of SHP-1 to retard the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that directs the transcription of genes involved in the promotion of cell survival and proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis, invasion, and migration. Overactivation of STAT3 is often witnessed in human cancers, thereby making it a good target in oncology. Herein the efficacy of Leonurine (Leo), a bioactive alkaloid present in Herba leonuri, was investigated for its STAT3-inhibitory potential in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Leo downregulated the persistent as well as IL-6-driven activation of STAT3. Leo abrogated the nuclear localization and DNA interacting ability of STAT3. Leo was also found to impart STAT3 inhibition by mitigating the activation of upstream kinases such as JAK1, JAK2, and Src both in constitutive and IL-6 inducible systems. Leo curbed the STAT3-driven luciferase gene expression and the depletion of STAT3 resulted in the reduced responsiveness of HCC cells to Leo. Pervanadate exposure counteracted Leo-induced STAT3 inhibition suggesting the involvement of a protein tyrosine phosphatase. SHP-1 was significantly elevated upon Leo exposure whereas the depletion of SHP-1 was found to revert the effect of Leo on STAT3. Leo induced apoptosis and also significantly potentiated the cytotoxic effect of paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and sorafenib. Leo was found to be non-toxic up to the dose of 10 mg/kg in NCr nude mice. In conclusion, Leo was demonstrated to induce cytotoxicity in HCC cells by mitigating the persistent of activation of STAT3 pathway.