Ezetimibe inhibits cell viability and invasion by suppressing PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in human osteosarcoma cells

Introduction: Osteosarcoma is one of the most prevalent malignant bone tumors with a poor overall prognosis and mainly happens in children and adolescents. Current therapy strategies still possess a lot of limitations, and new and efficient strategies are required. Ezetimibe was previously reported to have its anti-tumor effect in various tumors, but the investigation of Ezetimibe on osteosarcoma is still limited. Aims: This study explores whether ezetimibe could exert an anti-tumor effect on human osteosarcoma cell lines, U2OS, and Saos-2. Method: The effect of ezetimibe on the proliferation of osteosarcoma was explored by CCK-8 and colony formation assay. The role of ezetimibe on osteosarcoma cell migration and invasion was explored by wound healing assay and transwell assay. The role of ezetimibe on osteosarcoma cell apoptosis was explored by PI/Annexin V analysis. In addition, a western blot was performed to verify the phenotype. Result: The flow cytometry assay indicated that ezetimibe could promote osteosarcoma apoptosis. Western blot assay further demonstrated the effect of ezetimibe on proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis-related proteins. Finally, the deep anti-tumor effect of ezetimibe contributed to suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Conclusion: Present data indicated that ezetimibe has an antitumor effect on osteosarcoma and could be considered a future osteosarcoma treatment.