Matrine inhibited proliferation and increased apoptosis in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells via upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of matrine on proliferation and apoptosis in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and its relevant molecular mechanisms. Methods: Breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7 was cultured with series concentrations of Matrine in vitro. The proliferation and apoptosis of MCF-7 cells were investigated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometry, and Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) measurements. The expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins were detected by Annexin V/propidium iodide coupled staining. The morphological changes of MCF-7 cell were examined. Results: The inhibition rates of MCF-7 cells were 6.01%-37.01%, 7.56%-53.92%, and 10.86%-70.23% for 24, 48, and 72 hours after Matrine treatment, respectively. The proliferation of MCF-7 cells was significantly inhibited by Matrine administration, with a time and dose dependent manner. The rates apoptotic cells was between 4.17±0.25% and 19.63±0.17% in 0.25-2.0 mg/ml Matrine groups, which had significant increased compare with the control groups (1.10±0.08%, P<0.05). Meanwhile, increased Bax expression, but decreased Bcl-2 expression was observed in MCF-7 cell line. MMP were significantly decreased by Matrine treatment. Conclusions: Matrine significantly inhibited the growth and induced apoptosis in breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells, which is related to Bax, Bcl-2 signaling and MMP.