Dequalinium chloride inhibits the growth of human glioma cells in vitro and vivo: a study on molecular mechanism and potential targeted agents

Abstract

Background Our current understanding of the role of dequalinium chloride (DECA) in the progression of glioma remains very limited. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of DECA on human glioma cell lines in vitro and vivo. Methods The underlying molecular mechanism was analyzed for developing potential targeted agents. MTT assay, genomic DNA electrophoresis, DAPI staining, TUNEL staining, and wound scratch assay were performed to evaluate the effect of DECA on human glioma cell lines. Bioinformatics methods were used to screen the possible signaling pathway proteins, and the expression of these proteins and the corresponding mRNA was measured. Results DECA significantly inhibited the growth and proliferation of human glioma cells. Screening of apoptosis-related proteins showed the mRNA expression level of 6 genes was significantly changed after DECA administration. Conclusion This study shows that DECA effectively inhibits the growth of glioma cells in vitro and vivo. DECA may promote glioma cell apoptosis by affecting the expression of NFKB2, HRAS, NF1, CBL, RAF1, and BCL-2 genes.