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Imipramine Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits the Metastatic Potential of Triple-negative Breast Cancer Cells

Sheng-Kai Chen1, Wei Lee2,3, Yu-Ching Li4

  • 1Department of Nuclear Medicine, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, R.O.C.

Anticancer Research
|June 23, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Imipramine effectively combats triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by inducing cell death and reducing metastasis. This antidepressant shows promise in suppressing aggressive tumor growth and improving patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive cancer subtype with limited therapeutic options.
  • Metastasis and resistance to apoptosis drive TNBC progression.
  • Imipramine, an antidepressant, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and has shown efficacy against lung cancer metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of imipramine in triple-negative breast cancer.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which imipramine affects TNBC cell growth, apoptosis, and metastasis.

Main Methods:

  • MTT assay for cell viability.
  • Flow cytometry for apoptosis analysis.
  • NF-κB reporter gene assay and Western blotting for molecular mechanisms.
  • Analysis of open-source patient data.

Main Results:

  • Imipramine induced caspase-mediated apoptosis through both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways.
  • Imipramine suppressed the invasion and migration of TNBC cells.
  • Imipramine reduced the expression of metastasis-associated proteins.
  • Imipramine's effects were potentially linked to improved patient overall survival.

Conclusions:

  • Imipramine demonstrates significant potential as a therapeutic agent for TNBC.
  • Imipramine effectively suppresses TNBC progression by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting metastasis.
Keywords:
Imipramineapoptosismetastasistriple-negative breast cancer

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