Nifedipine stimulates proliferation and migration of different breast cancer cells by distinct pathways

Nifedipine is widely used to treat high blood pressure and angina. Were nifedipine able to promote the proliferation and migration of breast cancer, it would pose a significant threat for patients. Thus, it is important to determine the effects of nifedipine on breast cancer and the mechanism involved. The present study identified that nifedipine significantly promoted the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells in vitro. The mechanism of nifedipine on different breast cancer cells was investigated and it was identified that the effects of nifedipine on MCF‑7 cells were via the protein kinase B‑endothelial constitutive nitric oxide synthase‑nitric oxide axis, and on MDA‑MB‑231 cells via activation of the extracellular signal‑regulated kinase pathway. These results identified the distinct pathways in the activation of cell proliferation and migration presented in different cell lines by nifedipine. The present study advises that nifedipine can promote breast cancer and should be avoided for women who suffer from breast cancer and hypertension.