Xiaoyou decoction promotes apoptosis and alters inflammatory factor levels in cervical precancerous cells by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway

To investigate the underlying mechanism of Xiaoyou decoction in inducing apoptosis and modulating the inflammatory response in human immortalized cervical epithelial H8 cells through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway. H8 cells in logarithmic growth phase were treated with blank medium, recombinant human interferon α-2b (rhIFN α-2b, 13,000 IU/mL), Oxymatrine (4.80 mg/mL), and Xiaoyou decoction (2.80 mg/mL) for 48 hours. Subsequently, CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry apoptosis assay, acridine orange hydrochloride and Hoechst double staining, western blot, and qRT-PCR were performed to assess apoptosis, inflammation, and key pathway-related indices in each group. In vitro experiments revealed that all treatments, including Xiaoyou decoction and the control groups, exerted some degree of growth inhibition on H8 cells. However, Xiaoyou decoction displayed the most significant inhibitory effect. Western blot and qRT-PCR analyses confirmed that Xiaoyou decoction promoted apoptosis in H8 cells by suppressing the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Furthermore, it modulated the levels of inflammatory and immune-related factors in H8 cells by inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. This study validates the molecular mechanism of Xiaoyou decoction in promoting apoptosis and suppressing the inflammatory response in H8 cells by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway. •It was first discovered that the traditional Chinese medicine compound Xiaoyu Tang can promote apoptosis of cervical precancerous cells and regulate levels of inflammatory factors by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/NF - κ B signaling pathway.•Combining traditional medical wisdom with modern molecular biology technology provides new strategies for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer.•Add new treatment methods for future prevention or adjuvant therapy of cervical cancer•Promoting the in-depth development of traditional Chinese medicine research, while also contributing the wisdom and strength of traditional Chinese medicine to the solution of global health problems