Sucrose ester from Polygala vulgaris L. Roots regulates the dynamics of LPS‑triggered EMT in colorectal cancer and endothelial cells

LPS-induced inflammation plays a key role in colorectal cancer progression. This study investigates how 6,3′-disinapoyl-sucrose (DSS) from Polygala vulgaris L. affects inflammatory signalling and EMT in HCT116 cancer cells. We developed an in vitro inflammation model using LPS and quantified TNF-α and IL-8 levels by ELISA. Five different concentrations (10, 20, 50, 100, 150 uM) of DSS cytotoxicity were assessed by MTT assay, while immunoperoxidase staining was used to examine the distribution of MMP-2, MMP-9, E-cadherin, vimentin, and CD133. For model induction, we used 50 µg/mL LPS for 48 h. DSS at a concentration of 150 µM reduced cell viability after 24 h in ECV304 cells and after 48 h in HCT116 cells. In ECV304 cells, DSS significantly decreased vimentin expression under inflammatory conditions, suggesting suppression of LPS-induced mesenchymal characteristics. Overall, while DSS did not fully activate canonical EMT, it may help limit EMT progression during inflammation.