Anti-metastatic effect of Smilax china L. extract on MDA-MB-231 cells

Cancer metastases are not always cured by chemotherapy. Conventional and alternative drugs, including Chinese herbal remedies, have been developed to target metastatic cancer cells. Smilax china L. (SCL), a member of the Smilacaceae family, exerts anti-inflammatory, detoxification and anti-cancer effects. However, the effect of SCL on breast cancer cell metastasis and the underlying mechanisms are yet to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a SCL ethanol extract (SCLE) on the proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells, as well as the expression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), uPA receptor (uPAR) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Cell proliferation was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit‑8 and cell migration was determined by wound healing assay. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to quantify the mRNA levels of uPA, uPAR and TIMPs. SCLE markedly inhibited the proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells, and reduced the mRNA levels of the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation-associated molecules uPA, uPAR. By contrast, SCLE significantly increased the mRNA levels of TIMP1 and TIMP2. These findings show that SCLE exerts an anti-metastatic effect on human breast cancer cells, which may involve the modulation of ECM degradation.