Matrine inhibits the invasive properties of human glioma cells by regulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Abstract

Matrine is reported to be effective in tumor therapies; however, the anti-metastatic effect and molecular mechanism(s) of matrine on glioma remain poorly understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effects of matrine on glioma and the associated mechanism(s). In the study, we demonstrated that matrine inhibited the proliferation of glioma cells. We also observed that matrine inhibited the migration and invasion of glioma cells at non-toxic concentrations. Matrine also decreased the expression of E-cadherin and increased the expression of N-cadherin. These results suggest that the anti-metastatic effect of matrine may be correlated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, matrine could reduce the phosphorylation levels of p38 and AKT proteins. In conclusion, these results suggest matrine may be a potential alternative against invasive glioma cells via the p38 MAPK and AKT signaling-dependent inhibition of EMT.