Objective: To investigate the effects of Jiawei Sijunzi decoction containing serum on proliferation

apoptosis

and cell cycle of human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep-G2 cells and explore its action mechanism. Method: After Hep-G2 cells were processed with different concentrations of Jiawei Sijunzi decoction containing serum

cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) was used to measure the proliferation of Hep-G2 cells

apoptosis rate and cell cycle were detected by AnnexinV/propidium iodide(PI) flow cytometry. Apoptotic morphology was determined by hoechst33342 staining. The expression levels of related proteins of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) signaling pathway in Hep-G2 cells were evaluated by Western blot assay. Result: Jiawei Sijunzi decoction containing serum inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of human hepatoma Hep-G2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Cells were arrested in G0/G1 phase. Hoechst33342 staining results showed prominent morphological changes with chromatin condensation

fragmentation and formation of apoptotic bodies in dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis showed that Jiawei Sijunzi decoction containing serum could inhibit phosphorylation of Akt

mTOR

ribosomal S6 kinase(S6)

and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1(4EBP1)

up-regulate the expression levels of Bax

and down-regulate the expression levels of CyclinD1

Bcl-2. Jiawei Sijunzi decoction containing serum and PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor VS-5584 had a synergism effect

and Jiawei Sijunzi decoction containing serum enhanced the inhibitory effects on phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR. Conclusion: Jiawei Sijunzi decoction containing serum could inhibit the proliferation of Hep-G2 cells

induce apoptosis and arrest Hep-G2 cells in G1 phase. This inhibitory effect may be induced by blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.