Tetramethylpyrazine reverses multidrug resistance in breast cancer cells through regulating the expression and function of P-glycoprotein
Yinxu Zhang1, Xiaomei Liu, Teng Zuo
1Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, 121001 Jinzhou, Liaoning, China. zhangyinxu@163.com
Abstract:
Tumor multidrug resistance (MDR) has become the major obstacle to cancer chemotherapy. Recent studies suggest that tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) could reverse tumor MDR although the mechanism by which TMP overcomes tumor MDR remains elusive. Therefore, in this study, we examined the effects of TMP on MDR in drug-resistant breast cancer cells and investigated the underlying mechanisms. MCF-7 cells and the derived P-glycoprotein (Pgp) overexpressing MCF-7/dox cells were treated with TMP, and their growth was examined by MTT assay. Doxorubicin accumulation in the cells was evaluated by flow cytometry, and the expression of Pgp was detected by Western blot and RT-PCR analysis. The results showed that TMP increased the intracellular concentration of doxorubicin and inhibited Pgp-mediated efflux of doxorubicin in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, TMP inhibited the ATPase activity of P-gp and suppressed the expression of Pgp in MCF-7/dox cells. Taken together, these data suggest that TMP has potential application in the treatment of chemotherapy-resistant breast cancer.
Insights
Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) can overcome multidrug resistance (MDR) in breast cancer by increasing doxorubicin concentration and inhibiting P-glycoprotein (Pgp) activity and expression. This suggests TMP
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Tumor multidrug resistance (MDR) is a significant challenge in cancer chemotherapy.
- The mechanisms by which compounds like tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) reverse MDR are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of TMP on MDR in drug-resistant breast cancer cells.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of TMP's action against MDR.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MTT assays to assess cell growth inhibition.
- Employed flow cytometry to evaluate doxorubicin accumulation.
- Detected P-glycoprotein (Pgp) expression via Western blot and RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- TMP dose-dependently increased intracellular doxorubicin concentration.
- TMP inhibited Pgp-mediated doxorubicin efflux.
- TMP suppressed Pgp ATPase activity and Pgp expression in MCF-7/dox cells.
Conclusions:
- TMP demonstrates potential in reversing MDR in breast cancer.
- TMP acts by inhibiting Pgp function and expression, enhancing chemotherapy efficacy.
Related Concept Videos
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Abnormal Proliferation
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Transporters: P-Glycoprotein and Solute Carrier Transporters
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase


