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Inhibitive effect of triptolide on invasiveness of human fibrosarcoma cells by downregulating matrix
Shengbo Yang1, Can Gu, Guiying Zhang
1Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, P.R. China.
Objective:
To explore the molecular mechanisms of antitumor properties of triptolide, a bioactive component isolated from the Chinese herb Tripterygium wolfordii Hook F.
Methods:
Human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 cells were treated with different doses of triptolide for 72 h. Then the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 were measured and the invasiveness of triptolide-treated HT-1080 cells was compared with that of anti-MMP-9-treated HT-1080 cells.
Results:
18 nmol/L triptolide inhibited the gene expression and activity of MMP-9, but not those of MMP-2, in HT-1080 cells. In addition, both 18 nmol/L triptolide and 3 μg/mL anti-MMP-9 significantly reduced the invasive potential of HT-1080 cells, by about 50% and 35%, respectively, compared with the control. Whereas there was no significant difference between the effect of 18 nmol/L triptolide and that of anti-MMP-9 on invasive potential of HT-1080 cells.
Conclusions:
These data suggest that triptolide inhibits tumor cell invasion partly by reducing MMP-9 gene expression and activity.
Insights
Triptolide, derived from Tripterygium wilfordii, inhibits fibrosarcoma cell invasion by reducing matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression and activity. This natural compound shows potential in cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Triptolide is a bioactive compound from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F.
- Antitumor properties of triptolide warrant investigation into its molecular mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor effects of triptolide.
- To investigate the role of triptolide in inhibiting tumor cell invasion.
Main Methods:
- Human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 cells were treated with varying doses of triptolide.
- Gene expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were assessed.
- Cell invasiveness was compared between triptolide-treated and anti-MMP-9-treated cells.
Main Results:
- Triptolide (18 nmol/L) significantly inhibited MMP-9 gene expression and activity, but not MMP-2.
- Both triptolide and anti-MMP-9 reduced HT-1080 cell invasiveness by approximately 50% and 35%, respectively.
- Triptolide demonstrated comparable efficacy to anti-MMP-9 in reducing tumor cell invasion.
Conclusions:
- Triptolide exhibits antitumor properties by inhibiting tumor cell invasion.
- The mechanism involves the downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) gene expression and activity.
- Triptolide represents a potential therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.
