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Updated: Nov 28, 2025
Author Spotlight: Exploring Salidroside's Molecular Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Treatment
Published on: June 9, 2023
Inhibitory effects of salidroside on MCF-7 breast cancer cells in vivo
An-Qi Sun1,2, Xiu-Lian Ju1
1Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering & Pharmacy, 34756Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
Objective:
We investigated the antitumor effects of salidroside and preliminarily examined its underlying mechanisms by establishing a nude mouse model bearing MCF-7 breast cancer cell xenografts.
Methods:
The mice were grouped and intraperitoneally injected with salidroside, paclitaxel, or physiological saline. Tumor samples were weighed, and immunohistochemical staining with hematoxylin and eosin and anti-CD34 antibody was performed. Tumor cell apoptosis was observed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine dUTP nick end labeling assay. Bcl-1, p53, Bax, and caspase 3 expression in tumor tissues was determined via western blotting.
Results:
The tumor inhibition rate of high-dose salidroside was 75.16%, which was significantly higher than the rates for paclitaxel and saline. A tumor tissue pathology analysis revealed that high-dose salidroside inhibited tumor cell proliferation and promoted tumor cell apoptosis. Western blotting revealed that Bcl-2 and p53 expression were significantly lower in the salidroside group than in the other groups, whereas Bax and caspase 3 (17 kDa) expression were increased.
Conclusions:
Salidroside was more effective than paclitaxel in inhibiting tumor growth in MCF-7 breast cancer cell-bearing nude mice. The mechanism of action may involve Bcl-2 and p53 downregulation and Bax and caspase 3 upregulation, thereby increasing proapoptotic factor expression and inducing tumor cell apoptosis.
Insights
Salidroside demonstrated significant antitumor effects against breast cancer in mice, outperforming paclitaxel. Its mechanism involves promoting apoptosis by altering key protein expressions, offering a promising therapeutic avenue.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Oncology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality globally.
- Investigating novel therapeutic agents is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antitumor efficacy of salidroside in a xenograft model of human breast cancer (MCF-7).
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying salidroside's anti-cancer effects.
Main Methods:
- Nude mice bearing MCF-7 xenografts were treated with salidroside, paclitaxel, or saline.
- Tumor growth, apoptosis, and protein expression (Bcl-2, p53, Bax, caspase 3) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- High-dose salidroside achieved a 75.16% tumor inhibition rate, exceeding paclitaxel's efficacy.
- Salidroside treatment inhibited tumor cell proliferation and induced apoptosis.
- Key molecular changes included decreased Bcl-2 and p53, and increased Bax and caspase 3 expression.
Conclusions:
- Salidroside exhibits superior antitumor activity compared to paclitaxel in this breast cancer model.
- The anti-cancer effects are mediated through the induction of apoptosis via modulation of Bcl-2, p53, Bax, and caspase 3 pathways.
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