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The Potential of Matrine in the Treatment of Breast Cancer: A Review
Yumin Yang1, Yufeng Li1, Shanshan Liao1
1College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
Abstract:
Breast cancer ranks as the fifth-most-prevalent malignancy worldwide, characterized by high heterogeneity and multifactorial etiology across molecular subtypes. Despite advancements in conventional therapies, including surgery and chemotherapy, persistent challenges such as treatment-related adverse effects and acquired drug resistance necessitate alternative therapeutic strategies. Matrine, a naturally occurring alkaloid derived from Sophora flavescens, has demonstrated significant anticancer potential through multiple mechanisms. Experimental evidence indicates that matrine exerts inhibitory effects on tumor cell proliferation, promotes apoptosis, and attenuates metastatic progression via modulation of critical signaling pathways, particularly PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK/ERK, and Wnt/β-catenin. This review systematically examines subtype-specific responses to matrine treatment, highlighting its potential utility in precision oncology for distinct breast cancer classifications. Furthermore, we evaluate matrine's capacity to synergize with standard chemotherapeutic regimens, potentially overcoming drug resistance while reducing required dosages. By integrating current preclinical and clinical findings, this analysis provides new perspectives on matrine's therapeutic applications and underscores the imperative for translational studies to establish optimized treatment protocols for clinical implementation.
Insights
Matrine, a natural compound, shows promise in fighting breast cancer by inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. It may also enhance chemotherapy effectiveness and overcome drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Breast cancer is a heterogeneous malignancy with treatment challenges like drug resistance and adverse effects.
- Conventional therapies (surgery, chemotherapy) have limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Matrine, an alkaloid from Sophora flavescens, exhibits anticancer properties through multiple mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the subtype-specific efficacy of matrine in breast cancer.
- To explore matrine's potential in precision oncology for different breast cancer classifications.
- To evaluate matrine's synergistic effects with conventional chemotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies on matrine in breast cancer.
- Analysis of matrine's impact on tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis.
- Investigation of matrine's modulation of key signaling pathways (PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin).
Main Results:
- Matrine demonstrates inhibitory effects on breast cancer cell proliferation and metastasis.
- Matrine induces apoptosis in cancer cells.
- Matrine modulates critical cancer-related signaling pathways, suggesting broad anticancer activity.
- Evidence suggests matrine can synergize with chemotherapy, potentially overcoming resistance.
Conclusions:
- Matrine presents a promising natural therapeutic agent for breast cancer treatment.
- Its subtype-specific effects and ability to enhance chemotherapy warrant further investigation.
- Translational studies are crucial for optimizing matrine-based treatment protocols for clinical use.
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