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Atractylodes lancea Crude Extract Suppresses Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis via NF-kB signaling Pathway
Akawan Changtong1,2, Sasiprapa Khunchai1, Pattareeya Sereesantiwong1,2
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.
Objective:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype characterized by poor prognosis, high recurrence rates, and limited targeted therapies, often leading to metastasis in the brain, bones, lungs, and liver. The NF-kB signaling pathway plays a crucial role in TNBC metastasis. However, the potential of novel herbal medicines as anti-metastatic agents remains underexplored. This study investigates the effects of Atractylodes lancea (AL) crude extract on phosphorylated p65 NF-kB reduction and its impact on TNBC cell migration and invasion.
Methods:
High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified bioactive compounds in AL crude extract. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using MTT assays on MDA-MB-231 cells at 24 and 48 hours. Sub-lethal doses from cytotoxicity assays were used to assess anti-migration and anti-invasive effects via wound healing and gelatin zymography assays, respectively. Immunoblot analysis examined epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins and NF-kB expression.
Result:
AL crude extract significantly inhibited TNBC cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with IC50 values of 92.11±0.01 μg/ml (24 h) and 95.80±0.01 µg/ml (48 h). Wound healing assays confirmed reduced cell migration, while gelatin zymography showed decreased matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) enzymatic activity. Immunoblot analysis revealed increased E-cadherin expression, reduced vimentin expression, and significant suppression of phosphorylated NF-κBp65 levels.
Conclusion:
AL crude extract exhibits promising anti-cancer effects by modulating EMT markers, reducing cell motility, and inhibiting NF-κB signaling. These findings suggest its potential as a therapeutic agent for TNBC metastasis suppression.
Insights
Atractylodes lancea crude extract inhibits triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) metastasis by reducing cell migration and invasion. It also suppresses the crucial NF-kB signaling pathway, offering potential therapeutic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Herbal Medicine
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is aggressive with poor prognosis and limited treatments.
- The NF-kB signaling pathway is implicated in TNBC metastasis.
- Novel herbal agents for TNBC metastasis are underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate Atractylodes lancea (AL) crude extract's effect on TNBC metastasis.
- Assess AL's impact on NF-kB signaling and cell motility.
- Evaluate AL as a potential anti-metastatic agent for TNBC.
Main Methods:
- HPLC analysis for AL bioactive compounds.
- MTT assays for cytotoxicity on MDA-MB-231 cells.
- Wound healing, gelatin zymography, and immunoblot analysis for anti-metastatic effects.
Main Results:
- AL extract inhibited TNBC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
- Reduced matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity observed.
- Suppressed phosphorylated NF-κBp65 and modulated EMT markers (increased E-cadherin, decreased vimentin).
Conclusions:
- AL crude extract demonstrates anti-cancer properties against TNBC metastasis.
- Modulation of EMT markers and NF-kB signaling are key mechanisms.
- AL shows potential as a therapeutic agent for suppressing TNBC metastasis.
