Anti-Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Property of Arnica montana Attributed to Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Abstract

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor prognosis due to its highly invasive and metastatic properties. Hormonal therapies are ineffective because of the absence of hormone receptors in TNBCs; treatment modalities primarily depend on aggressive chemotherapy regimens and surgery. These procedures have a high degree of systemic toxicity and lead to drug resistance. Therefore, novel drugs with less or no toxicity are the need of the hour. Arnica montana has potent anticancer properties against hormone-dependent breast cancer. In the current study, we explored the anti-epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) ability of Arn in TNBC. Cell invasion and migration assays were conducted on the TNBC cell line, MDA MB231, using Arnica montana. The expression of major genes playing a role in apoptosis and EMT were examined through real-time PCR. Arnica montana displayed a reduction in cell viability, invasion, and migration of MDA MB231 cells. Additionally, gene expression analysis showed that there was upregulation of apoptotic genes, Caspase 3 & Caspase 9, and epithelial marker E-cadherin along with downregulation of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and Vimentin and anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2. Arnica montana inhibited the progression of metastasis and EMT under in vitro conditions. These results lay down the foundation for future studies in animal models to elucidate its potential therapeutic role in TNBCs.