[Effects of monobutyl phthalate on migration and invasion of mouse Leydig tumor cells]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the influence of monobutyl phthalate (MBP) on the expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins, migration and invasion of mouse Leydig tumor cells (MLTC-1) cells. Methods: After exposed to different doses of MBP (0、10(-7)、10(-6), 10(-5), 10(-4), 10(-3) mol/L) for 24 h or 48 h, cell viability was determined by 3-(4 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Expressions of vimentin, E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Snail proteins related to EMT were detected by Western blot. The ability of migration and invasion of MLTC-1 were assessed by wound healing assay and Transwell Boyden chamber assay, respectively. Results: Relative expressions of vimentin, Snail and N-cadherin proteins were promoted ((1.56±0.07) vs (1.78±0.08), (1.22±0.06) vs (1.44±0.07), (1.33±0.11) vs (2.19±0.06), all P values were<0.001) and E-cadherin (0.66±0.09) vs (0.47±0.06), P<0.001,protein was inhibited after the cells stimulated with MBP (0, 10(-7) and 10(-6) mol/L). The capability of wound closure of MLTC-1 cells were (6.64±2.07)%, (15.61±2.83)%, (39.91±0.33)%, respectively and the invading/migrating cells were (32.67±3.51), (57.67±2.52), (82.67±6.51), respectively, which were obviously increased under MBP treatments (0, 10(-7) and 10(-6) mol/L) (all P values were <0.001). Conclusion: Monobutyl phthalate affected the expressions of EMT-related proteins and enhanced the migration and invasion of MLTC-1 cells.