Shaoyao decoction alleviates TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis by decreasing inflammation and balancing the homeostasis of Th17/Treg cells

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a persistent and non-specific inflammatory condition that mainly affects the bowels and has challenging treatment. UC has a growing incidence and significantly affects the well-being of patients. Many medications used to treat UC can disrupt the metabolism and immune system homeostasis, frequently leading to significant adverse effects. Hence, exploring alternative therapies, such as traditional Chinese medicine and probiotics, has recently emerged as a primary research hotspot owing to their safety. Although the therapeutic mechanism of Shaoyao decoction has not been clarified, it has demonstrated a beneficial clinical effect on UC.

AIM

This study aimed to assess the effect of Shaoyao decoction on a rat model of UC and investigate its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The rat model of UC was induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). The extent of damage to the intestines was assessed using the disease activity index (DAI), colonic mucosa damage index (CMDI), and histological scores. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the tissue levels of interleukin (IL)-17, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and IL-10. Additionally, the proportion of Th17 and Treg cells was detected using flow cytometry. In colon tissue, the levels of forkhead box (Fox)p3, RAR-related orphan receptor (ROR)γt, IL-6, p-STAT3, and STAT3 proteins were quantified by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Treatment with Shaoyao decoction enhanced the overall health of rats and reduced colonic damage. Additionally, Shaoyao decoction significantly alleviated the severity of DAI, CMDI, and HS. The proportion of Th17 cells was reduced, and the proportion of Treg cells was increased by Shaoyao decoction. The expression of IL-17 and RORγt was suppressed by Shaoyao decoction, while the expression of IL-10, TGF-β1, and Foxp3 was increased. The expression of IL-6, p-STAT3, and STAT3 was decreased by Shaoyao decoction.

CONCLUSION

The Shaoyao decoction alleviates the symptoms of TNBS-induced UC by decreasing inflammation and mitigating intestinal damage while preserving the balance between Th17 and Treg. Shaoyao decoction modulates the IL-6/STAT3 axis, thereby regulating the balance between Th17 and Treg cells.

High Hepcidin Levels Promote Abnormal Iron Metabolism and Ferroptosis in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis

BACKGROUND

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a chronic inflammatory disease and premalignant lesion of gastric cancer. As an antimicrobial peptide, hepcidin can maintain iron metabolic balance and is susceptible to inflammation.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to clarify whether hepcidin is involved in abnormal iron metabolism and ferroptosis during CAG pathogenesis.

METHODS

Non-atrophic gastritis (NAG) and chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) patient pathology slides were collected, and related protein expression was detected by immunohistochemical staining. The CAG rat model was established using MNNG combined with an irregular diet.

RESULTS

CAG patients and rats exhibited iron deposition in gastric tissue. CAG-induced ferroptosis in the stomach was characterized by decreased GPX4 and FTH levels and increased 4-HNE levels. Hepcidin, which is mainly located in parietal cells, was elevated in CAG gastric tissue. The high gastric level of hepcidin inhibited iron absorption in the duodenum by decreasing the protein expression of DMT1 and FPN1. In addition, the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway induced hepcidin production in gastric tissue.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that the high level of gastric hepcidin induced ferroptosis in the stomach but also inhibited iron absorption in the intestines. Inhibiting hepcidin might be a new strategy for the prevention of CAG in the future.

System pharmacology analysis to decipher the effect and mechanism of active ingredients combination from Duhuo Jisheng decoction on osteoarthritis in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Duhuo Jisheng decoction is a traditional Chinese formula that has been widely used in clinical practice to treat osteoarthritis, which has the effects of removing invaded cold and dampness, relieving joint pain. However, it is difficult to determine the effective substances and mechanisms due to assorted herbs and components, and further research is needed.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was designed to explore and verify the mechanism and targets of DHJSD in the treatment of OA via network analysis and experiments.

METHOD

In this study, the active ingredients of DHJSD were qualitatively analyzed by UPLC-QDA. Network analysis was used to identify common targets and pathways. Next, we explored the therapeutic mechanism of DHJSD through a rat model of knee osteoarthritis. HE staining was used to judge the establishment of the animal model. ELISA and Western blotting were used to verify the expression of key pathway proteins.

CONCLUSION

In this study, seventeen chemical constituents in DHJSD were identified. According to the network analysis, we obtained the potential associated pathways of action. Then, molecular docking and SPR experiments showed that the sixteen identified components had high binding energies to IL-6. HE staining showed that the high-dose group of DHJSD had an obvious therapeutic effect on model rats. Compared with the model group, the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, MMP3, MMP13, ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5 in serum and the expression of STAT3 and p-STAT3 protein in administration groups were significantly decreased. This result indicated that the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway was one of the important pathways regulated by DHJSD to improve OA.

[Chaihu Guizhi Decoction plus or minus formula combined with capecitabine inhibits IL-6/STAT3 signaling to suppress triple-negative breast cancer xenografts in nude mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Chaihu Guizhi Decoction (CHGZD) combined with capecitabine on growth and apoptosis of subcutaneous triple-negative breast cancer xenografts in nude mice and explore the possible mechanism.

METHODS

Nude mouse models bearing subcutaneous triple-negative breast cancer xenografts were randomized into 6 groups (n=10) for treatment with distilled water (model group), low (10.62 g/kg), medium (21.23 g/kg) and high (42.46 g/kg) doses of CHGZD, capecitabine (0.2 mg/kg), or the combination of CHGZD (42.46 g/kg) and capecitabine (0.2 mg/k) once daily for 21 consecutive days. The general condition of mice was observed, and after 21-day treatments, the tumors were dissected for measurement of tumor volume and weight and histopathological examination with HE staining. Serum IL-6 levels of the mice were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expression levels of IL-6, STAT3, p-STAT3, Bax, Bcl-2 and cyclin D1 in the tumor tissues were detected using real-time PCR and Western blotting.

RESULTS

Compared with those in the model group, the tumor-bearing mice receiving treatments with CHGZD showed significantly increased food intake with good general condition, sensitive responses, increased body weight, and lower tumor mass (P < 0.01). Compared with capecitabine treatment alone, treatment with CHGZD alone at the medium and high doses and the combined treatment all resulted in significantly higher tumor inhibition rates (P < 0.01), induced obvious tumor tissue degeneration and reduced the tumor cell density. Treatments with CHGZD, both alone and in combination with capecitabine, significantly decreased serum IL-6 level, lowered the mRNA expression levels of IL-6 and STAT3, the protein expressions of IL-6, STAT3 and P-STAT3 (P < 0.05), and the mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl-2 and cyclin D1 (P < 0.05), and increased the mRNA and protein expressions of Bax in the tumor tissues (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

CHGZD combined with capecitabine can significantly inhibit tumor growth in nude mice bearing triple-negative breast cancer xenografts, the mechanism of which may involve the inhibition of IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and regulation of Bax, Bcl-2 and cyclin D1 expressions to suppress tumor cell proliferation and differentiation and induce cell apoptosis.

Triclosan induced zebrafish immunotoxicity by targeting miR-19a and its gene socs3b to activate IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway

As a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent, triclosan (TCS) has been confirmed to possess potential immunotoxicity to organisms, but the underlying mechanisms remains unclear. Herein, with the aid of transgenic zebrafish strains Tg (coro1A: EGFP) and Tg (rag2: DsRed), we intuitively observed acute TCS exposure caused the drastic differentiation, abnormal development and distribution of innate immune cells, as well as barriers to formation of adaptive immune T cells. These abnormalities implied occurrence of the cytokine storm, which was further evidenced by expression changes of immune-related genes, and functional biomarkers. Based on transcriptome deep sequencing, target gene prediction and dual luciferase validation, the highly conservative and up-regulated miR-19a was chosen as the research target. Under TCS exposure, miR-19a up-regulation triggered down-regulation of its target gene socs3b, and simultaneously activated the downstream IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Artificial over-expression and knock-down of miR-19a was realized by microinjecting agomir and antagomir, respectively, in 1-2-cell embryos. The miR-19a up-regulation inhibited socs3b expression to activate IL-6/STAT3 pathway, and yielded abnormal changes in the functional cytokine biomarkers, along with the sharp activation of immune responses. These findings disclose the molecular mechanisms regarding TCS-induced immunotoxicity, and offer important theoretical guidance for healthy safety evaluation and disease early warning from TCS pollution.

ZIPK activates the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and promotes cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant cancers globally. Chemotherapy resistance remains a major obstacle in the treatment of gastric cancer, and the molecular mechanisms underlying drug resistance are still not well understood. We previously reported that Zipper interacting protein kinase (ZIPK), also known as death‐associated protein kinase3, exerts an oncogenic effect on gastric cancer via activation of Akt/NF‐κB signaling and promotion of stemness. Here, we explored the roles of ZIPK in cisplatin resistance. We report that ZIPK enhances cell proliferation and invasion and reduces the antitumor activity of cisplatin in gastric cancer. In addition, our western blot data suggest that ZIPK activated the IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, ZIPK increased the expression of IL‐6 and multidrug‐resistance genes. Using the STAT3 inhibitor stattic to block the IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway strongly increased the sensitivity of ZIPK‐expressed cells to cisplatin. In conclusion, ZIPK may play a role in cisplatin resistance through activation of the IL‐6/ STAT3 signaling pathway. Inhibition of STAT3 in gastric cancer overexpressing ZIPK might have potential to improve the efficacy of cisplatin.

[Curcumin mediates IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway to repair intestinal mucosal injury induced by 5-FU chemotherapy for colon cancer]

This study aims to investigate the potential mechanism of curcumin in mediating interleukin-6(IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) signaling pathway to repair intestinal mucosal injury induced by 5-fluorouracil(5-FU) chemotherapy for colon cancer. SD rats were intraperitoneally injected with 60 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1) 5-FU for 4 days to establish a model of intestinal mucosal injury. Then the rats were randomly divided into model group(equal volume of normal saline), curcumin low, medium and high dose groups(50, 100, 200 mg·kg~(-1)), and normal SD rats were used as control group(equal volume of normal saline). Each group received gavage administration for 4 consecutive days, and the changes of body weight and feces were recorded every day. After administration, blood was collected from the heart, and jejunum tissues were collected. The levels of serum interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were detected by ELISA, and at the same time, the concentration of Evans blue(EB) in jejunum was measured. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological state of jejunum, and the length of jejunum villi and the depth of crypt were measured. The positive expression levels of claudin, occludin and ZO-1 were detected by immunohistochemistry. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of IL-6, p-STAT3, E-cadherin, vimentin and N-cadherin in jejunum tissues. The results showed that, curcumin significantly increased body weight and fecal weight(P&lt;0.05 or P&lt;0.01), decreased fecal score, EB concentration, IL-1β and TNF-α levels(P&lt;0.05 or P&lt;0.01) in rats. In addition, curcumin maintained the integrity of mucosal surface and villi structure of jejunum to a large extent, and reduced pathological changes in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, curcumin could increase the positive expression of occludin, claudin and ZO-1(P&lt;0.05 or P&lt;0.01), repair intestinal barrier function, downregulate the protein expression of IL-6, p-STAT3, vimentin and N-cadherin in jejunum tissues(P&lt;0.05 or P&lt;0.01), and upregulate the protein expression of E-cadherin(P&lt;0.05). Therefore, curcumin could repair the intestinal mucosal injury induced by 5-FU chemotherapy for colon cancer, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of IL-6/STAT3 signal and the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) process.

miR-223 improves intestinal inflammation through inhibiting the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway in dextran sodium sulfate-induced experimental colitis

Introduction

The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not yet been clarified and is closely related to several pro‐inflammatory factors. MicroRNA‐233 (miR‐223) might be involved in the development of IBD; however, the mechanism underlying its pathogenesis is unclear. In this study, we attempted to determine the role of miR‐223 in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis and explore the involvement of the IL‐6/STAT3 pathway in the development of intestinal mucosal inflammation.

Materials and Methods

Except control (WT) group, male C57BL/6 mice were provided DSS, then treated for with miR‐223 agomir or antagomir including DSS group, DSS + miR‐223 agomir (DSS + A) group, and DSS + miR‐223 antagomir (DSS + AN) group. The colitis symptoms were observed, the disease activity index (DAI) score were recorded daily, and colonic inflammation was evaluated by histopathological scoring. The expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO), cytokines and IL‐6/STAT3 pathway‐related proteins were measured.

Results

miR‐223 expression in the terminal ileum and colon was increased in the DSS group compared with the WT group. Colitis symptoms were significantly alleviated in the DSS + A group and exacerbated in the DSS + AN group after administration of the miR‐223 agomir and antagomir, respectively. MPO, tumor necrosis factor‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐17 were decreased and IL‐10 was increased in the DSS + A group, but these changes were reversed in the DSS + AN group. Gp130, p‐STAT3, Bcl‐2, and Bcl‐xl in the colon declined in the DSS + A group, but these levels increased in the DSS + AN group.

Conclusions

The upregulation of miR‐223 by agomir administration alleviated colonic inflammation in a DSS‐induced colitis model, which was likely mediated by inhibiting the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines via the IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway. These findings provide evidence that miR‐223 might have potential therapeutic implications in IBD.

[Effect of moxibustion on IL-6/STAT3 signaling in frontal cortex of fatigue rats]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of moxibustion on interleukin-6(IL-6)/signal transduction and transcriptional activator 3(STAT3) signaling pathway in the frontal cortex of fatigue rats, so as to reveal its mechanisms underlying alleviation of fatigue.

METHODS

Twenty-one male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control, model, and moxibustion groups (n＝7 rats in each group). The fatigue model was established by forcing the rats to have an exhausted swim under load condition, once daily for 21 days. Moxibustion was applied to bilateral "Zusanli"(ST36) for about 15 min, once every other day for 21 days. The level of IL-6 in the frontal cortex was detected by ELISA, and the expression of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2), signal transduction and transcriptional activator 3(STAT3) and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) proteins in the frontal cortex was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

After modeling, the levels of IL-6 content and p-STAT3 protein expression and ratio of p-STAT3/STAT3 were significantly increased in the model group relevant to the normal control group (P<0.01). Follo-wing moxibustion, the duration of load swimming on the 21^st day was significantly prolonged (P<0.01), content of IL-6 and levels of p-STAT3 protein expression and ratio of p-STAT3/STAT3 were significantly down-regulated in the moxibustion group compared with the model group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between the model and control, and between moxibustion and model groups in the expression levels of JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3 and p-JAK2/JAK2 (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Moxibustion intervention can relieve fatigue in fatigue rats, which is associated with its function in inhibiting IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway to reduce inflammatory injury.

Bit1 Silencing Enhances the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Glioma Cells Through Activation of the IL-6/STAT3 Pathway

Background

Several studies have indicated that the anoikis effector Bcl-2 inhibitor of transcription 1 (Bit1) can promote or inhibit tumor progression depending on the nature of the malignancy. However, its regulatory effects on gliomas are unknown.

Methods

This study aimed at assessing Bit1 expression in glioma tissues and cells, its subsequent effects on glioma cell apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, and migration, and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Results

The findings showed that lower Bit1 expressions in glioma tissues as well as a negative correlation between Bit1 expression and glioma grade. Additional findings also revealed that Bit1 silencing significantly inhibited anoikis and enhanced glioma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Further analysis showed that the decrease in Bit1 expressions led to malignancy proliferation and anoikis resistance through activation of the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Our data suggested that Bit1 may play an anti-oncogenic role in glioma cells and that a decrease in its expressions might induce glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Nevirapine inhibits migration and invasion in dedifferentiated thyroid cancer cells

Background

Metastatic or recurrent thyroid cancer often behaves aggressively, and approximately two‐thirds of patients present with radioiodine resistance. Effective therapies to suppress thyroid cancer metastasis are urgently needed. Nevirapine has been proved to suppress tumor growth and induce differentiation in several tumor cells, but has not previously been evaluated in metastasis of thyroid cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of nevirapine on migration and invasion in dedifferentiated thyroid cancer cells.

Methods

Human dedifferentiated thyroid cancer cell line (WRO 82‐1) was subject to real‐time quantitative PCR, western blot and transwell migration/invasion assays. The liver metastasis in tumor xenografts of nude mice was subject to hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining.

Results

Nevirapine significantly repressed cell migration and invasion in WRO 82‐1 cells, and surprisingly significantly decreased liver metastatic tumor in the nude mouse model of dedifferentiated thyroid cancer compared with that of the control. Moreover, nevirapine significantly decreased the expression of IL‐6 mRNA and phosphorylation of JAK2 (Y1007+Y1008) and STAT3 (Tyr 705) in WRO 82‐1 cells compared with those in control cells.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that nevirapine significantly repressed migration and invasion/metastasis in WRO 82‐1 cells and tumor xenografts, which may be related to inhibition of IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway. It promises great potential as a novel therapy for thyroid cancer, especially for those patients with metastasis.

[Effects of Dandelion polysaccharide on IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway in ulcerative colitis rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of dandelion polysaccharide on IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway in rats with ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

Forty SD rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10):control group, model group, positive control group and dandelion polysaccharide group. The ulcerative colitis model was established by treated with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The positive control group was treated with mesalazine 10 mg/kg·d and dandelion polysaccharide group was treated with dandelion polysaccharide 10 mg/kg·d. The levels of interleukin -6(IL-6), colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO) and interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6Rα) were measured after 4 weeks of treatment. The pathological changes of colonic mucosa were observed in rats. The gene expressions of glycoprotein 130 (gp130), transcriptional activator3(STAT3) and IL-6 were detected.

RESULTS

Compared with the normal control group, the level of serum IL-6 in the model group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the serum levels of IL-6 in the dandelion polysaccharide group and the methacetin group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the MPO positive density of the rats in the dandelion polysaccharide group and the methacetin group was significantly lower than that in the normal group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the levels of sIL-6Rα and gp130 in the rats were significantly lower than those in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expressions of STAT3 and IL-6 mRNA in the intestinal tissue of the rats in the dandelion polysaccharide group and the methacetin group were decreased significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Dandelion polysaccharide can decrease the level of IL-6 in rats with ulcerative colitis, regulate the expression of sIL-6Rα and gp130 protein in IL-6/STAT3 pathway, and then down-regulate the expressions of STAT3 and IL-6 mRNA in intestinal tissue of rats, alleviate the colon inflammation state, protect and repair the mucosal tissue. Dandelion polysaccharide plays a role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Embryonic-like regenerative phenomenon: wound-induced hair follicle neogenesis

Wound-induced hair follicle neogenesis (WIHN) is a regenerative phenomenon that occurs widely in the skin of adult mammalians. A fully functional follicle can regenerate in the center of a full-thickness wound with a large enough size. The cellular origin of this process is similar to embryonic process. Many growth and development-related pathways are involved in WIHN. Studying WIHN can deeply explore the mechanism of biological growth, development and regeneration, and can identify new treatments for hair-related disorders. Our review aims to enlighten future study by summarizing the clinical manifestation of WIHN, as well as the cellular and molecular mechanism of WIHN in recent studies.

IL-37 inhibits invasion and metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer by suppressing the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway

Background

IL‐37 has been identified as a fundamental inhibitor of inflammatory and immunity responses. It plays a crucial protective role in several cancers, but its anti‐tumor activity and the potential regulatory mechanism of IL‐37 in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is largely unclear.

Methods

Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect plasma IL‐37 expression in NSCLC patients and healthy controls. The NSCLC cell line A549 was cultured with recombinant human IL‐37 or recombinant human IL‐6 protein. A549 invasion and metastasis were detected using Transwell invasion and scratch wound healing assays, respectively. Protein expression of STAT3, pSTAT3, E‐cadherin, vimentin, and N‐cadherin were detected using Western blotting, and messenger RNA expression of STAT3, E‐cadherin, vimentin, and N‐cadherin was assessed in each group using real time PCR.

Results

IL‐37 plasma expression was decreased in NSCLC patients, and the downregulation of IL‐37 was correlated with tumor stage. In vitro, IL‐37 inhibited invasion and migration in A549 cells, while IL‐6 promoted invasion and migration in A549 cells. pSTAT3, vimentin, and N‐cadherin expression was increased. E‐cadherin expression was lower in the IL‐6 group than in the control group; however, the opposite pattern was observed in the IL‐37 + IL‐6 group.

Conclusion

Our results showed that IL‐37 plays an inhibitory role in NSCLC progression, possibly by suppressing STAT3 activation and decreasing epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition by inhibiting IL‐6 expression. IL‐37 could serve as a potential novel tumor suppressor in NSCLC.

Novel secolignans from Peperomia dindygulensis and their inhibitory activities on JAK-STAT signaling pathways

Nineteen secolignans (1-19), including five new ones (1-5), were isolated from the whole plant of Peperomia dindygulensis. Their structures including stereochemistry were determined by spectroscopic methods, in particular NMR and electronic CD (ECD) analysis. All the isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against IFN-γ/STAT1 as well as IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway by the method of Luciferase assay. Six 2-methene type secolignans (1, 2, 6-9) exhibited significant inhibitory activities against JAK-STAT pathways with the IC₅₀ values both lower than 10μM.

Wogonin suppresses human alveolar adenocarcinoma cell A549 migration in inflammatory microenvironment by modulating the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway

Increasing evidence from various clinical and experimental studies has demonstrated that the inflammatory microenvironment facilitates tumor metastasis. Clinically, it will be a promising choice to suppress tumor metastasis by targeting inflammatory microenvironment. Our previous studies have demonstrated that wogonin (a bioflavonoid isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine of Huang-Qin) possesses the anti-metastatic and anti-inflammatory activity, but we have little idea about its efficacy on inflammatory-induced tumor metastasis and the mechanism underlying it. In this study, we focused on epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), the first step of tumor metastasis, to evaluate the effects of wogonin on tumor metastasis in inflammatory microenvironment. We found that wogonin inhibited THP-1 conditioned-medium- (CM-) and IL-6-induced EMT by inactivating STAT3 signal. And in wogonin-treated A549 cells which pretreated with THP-1 CM or IL-6, the expression level of E-cadherin, an EMT negative biomarker, increased while that of N-cadherin, Vimentin, and EMT-related transcription factors including Snail and Twist decreased. Moreover, wogonin inhibited IL-6-induced phosphorylation of STAT3, prevented p-STAT3 dimer translocation into the nucleus, and suppressed the DNA-binding activity of p-STAT3. Interestingly, similar results were obtained in the tumor xenografts mice, including downregulation of p-STAT3, N-cadherin, and Vimentin while up-regulation of E-cadherin. Wogonin also inhibit the metastasis of A549 cells in vivo. Taken all data together, we concluded that wogonin suppresses tumor cells migration in inflammatory microenvironment by inactivating STAT3 signal.