Objective: To observe the inhibitory effect of Aitongping capsules on tumor growth and metastasis in H22 tumor bearing mice

and explore its mechanism. Method: The ICR mice were inoculated with hepatoma cell line H22 to establish H22 tumor-bearing mice models. The H22 tumor-bearing mice were randomly divided into model group

cisplatin group

Aitongping high and low dose groups. The mice in the model group received the same volume of normal saline by ig daily

mice in Aitongping high-dose and low-dose group received 36

18 g·kg-1 Aitongping by ig daily

and the mice in cisplatin group received 2 mg·kg-1cisplatin by ip daily. All the groups received continuous administration for 7 d

and then the mice were sacrificed. The tumor was peeled off for weighing

and the tumor inhibition rate was calculated according to the formula. Protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in tumor tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry

gene and protein expressions of C-X-C chemokine ligand 12(CXCL12) and its receptor C-X-C chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4) in tumor tissues by using Real-time PCR and Western blot method. Result: Aitongping high and low dose groups significantly inhibited the growth of tumors in H22 tumor-bearing mice. Aitongping high dose group significantly decreased the protein expression of VEGF in the tumor tissues

and inhibited the gene and protein expressions of CXCR4 (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Aitongping capsules have a certain inhibitory effect on tumor growth and metastasis in H22 tumor-bearing mice

and its mechanism may be associated with reducing protein expression of VEGF in tumor tissues and interventing CXCL12/CXCR4 biological axis.