Background:Radix Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae (REE) was recently reported to be significantly superior to vitamin A acid ointment in treating multiple plantar warts. However, the effects of REE on HPV18 remain unclear. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effects of REE on the proliferation of HPV18, and explore possible molecular mechanisms underlying the effects.Methods:HFK and HFK-HPV18 were treated with water-extracted single or compound REE, ethanol-extracted single or compound REE, TNF-α and IFN for 3 days, respectively. In addition, the organotypic rafts containing HFK-HPV18 and HFK were treated with REE, IFN and TNF-α for 7 days, respectively. Cell proliferation rates were measured with Brdu. mRNA expression of E6, L1, p53 and Rb was detected by qPCR. Protein expression of p53, Rb and L1 was detected by Western blot.Results:Compared to HFK group, HFK-HPV18 group had significantly higher expression of E6 and L1. Compared to the control group, HFK-HPV18 treated with REE, TNF-α and IFN displayed significantly lower proliferation rates. The mRNA expression of E6 was markedly lower, and mRNA expression of p53 and Rb was significantly higher after treatment of REE in HFK-HPV18 or in organotypic rafts containing HFK-HPV18. Treatment with REE markedly increased the protein expression of p53 and Rb, and decreased the protein expression of L1 in HFK-HPV18 or in organotypic rafts containing HFK-HPV18. Among all formula of REE, the inhibition of proliferation rates and expression of E6 and L1, and the increase in expression of p53 and Rb in HFK-HPV18 was highest in ethanol-extracted compound REE group.Conclusions:The proliferation rates are significantly lower in HFK-HPV18 treated with REE. The expression of E6 and L1 is markedly lower, and expression of p53 and Rb is significantly higher after REE treatment in HFK-HPV18 or organotypic rafts containing HFK-HPV18. Among all formula of REE, ethanol-extracted compound REE displays the highest protection against HPV18.
