Cardamonin reduces chemotherapy resistance of colon cancer cells via the TSP50/NF‑κB pathway in�vitro

It has previously been reported that cardamonin is able to regulate glycometabolism and vasodilation whilst also exhibiting anti‑inflammatory and antitumor properties. The antitumor effect of cardamonin is multifaceted, and so it is necessary to investigate the antitumor mechanisms of cardamonin at the molecular level. Cardamonin alters chemotherapy‑resistant colon cancer cell growth; however, the underlying mechanism is unknown. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of cardamonin on chemotherapy‑resistant colon cancer cells and the possible mechanisms of action. Cardamonin significantly suppressed the growth of chemotherapy‑resistant colon cancer cells, induced apoptosis and promoted caspase‑3/9 activity and Bax protein expression in 5‑fluorouracil (5‑FU)‑resistant HCT‑116 cells. Cardamonin significantly suppressed c‑MYC, octamer‑binding transcription factor 4, cyclin E, testes‑specific protease 50 and nuclear factor‑κB protein expression in 5‑FU‑resistant HCT‑116 cells. The findings of the present study demonstrate that cardamonin suppresses chemotherapy‑colon cancer cell via the NF‑κB pathway in vitro.