Yanhusuo extract inhibits metastasis of breast cancer cells by modulating mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways

Oncol Rep. 2008 Oct;20(4):819-24.

Abstract

Yanhusuo (Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In this study, we attempted to characterize in detail the signaling cascades that produce its anti-metastatic effect on the human breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231. We found that the yanhusuo extract inhibited the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro. In addition, the yanhusuo extract inhibited the mRNA expression and activity of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). The anti-cancer metastasis effect of yanhusuo involved the activation of p38 and inhibition of ERK1/2 and SAPK/JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Our experiments identified the biological activity of yanhusuo against cancer metastasis in vitro and provide a rationale for its further investigation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Corydalis*
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / drug effects*
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / genetics
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
  • Medicine, Chinese Traditional*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Phosphorylation
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
  • Plant Extracts
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9