Pterostilbene enhances sorafenib’s anticancer effects on gastric adenocarcinoma

Sorafenib has been approved for the treatment of certain cancers in clinic. However, the effects of sorafenib on gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) were still limited. This study aimed to evaluate both in vitro and in vivo efficacy of sorafenib in combination with pterostilbene (PTE) on the treatment of GAC. Here, the morphological changes and cell viability were recorded in both N87 and MKN45 cells. The cell cycle profile and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry. Subcutaneous tumour xenografts were constructed in nude mice, and IHC staining of the dissected tumour tissues was conducted. Our results showed that PTE enhanced sorafenib's inhibitory effects on cell viability. The obvious down‐regulation of cyclin D1, Cdk‐2, Cdk‐4, Cdk‐6 and p62 and the up‐regulation of LC3II, caspase‐9, caspase‐3 and PARP cleavages were observed for the combination treatment with PTE and sorafenib than monotherapy. The combination treatment resulted in a higher level of cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and apoptosis than either drug. Besides, drug combination significantly enhanced the inhibition of tumour growth than sorafenib or PET alone in nude mice. The percentage of Ki‐67‐ and PCNA‐positive cells was distinctly reduced, and the apoptotic cells was obviously increased when compared with single drug therapy. Altogether, PET obviously enhanced sorafenib's antitumour effects against GAC through inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing autophagy and promoting apoptosis. The combination therapy with PET and sorafenib may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating GAC and deserve further clinical trials.