Abstract: Objective To investigate the proliferation and invasion inhibitory effect of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on human osteosarcoma (OS) cells and the possible molecular mechanism involved. Methods OS cells were seeded treated with different concentrations of DHA. Cells were stained with crystal violet to visualize the cell viability. ECM Transwell assay was used to assess the alteration in cellular invasion induced by DHA in OS cells. Western blot and luciferase assay were used to evaluate activation of Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway. Results DHA can inhibit proliferation and reduce invasion in human OS cells. Total protein and transcription activity of β-catenin in OS cells were reduced by DHA treatment. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of DHA on OS cells was reversed by over-expression of β-catenin, but was further enhanced by know-down of β-catenin, respectively. Conclusion Our results reveal that DHA can inhibit tumor proliferation and invasion of OS cells by inactivating Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Key words: dihydroartemisinin, osteosarcoma, Wnt/β-catenin, signal pathway