Berberine Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Suppresses Tumor Metastasis and Enhances Sensitivity to Chemotherapy Drugs in SiHa Cervical Cancer Cells

• Main Authors: Shu-Jiuan, 林淑娟
• Other Authors: Yih-Shou Hsieh
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/59673298001426126469

碩士 === 中山醫學大學 === 生化暨生物科技研究所 === 99 === Berberine is found in the roots, rhizomes and in the bark of the plant and has several anti-inflammation and anti-cancer biological effects. Nevertheless, limited studies have been available concerning the inhibitory effects of this compound for tumor metastasis. In this research, we treated Si Ha cells with various concentrations of berberine to examine the effect of berberine on factors of cancer metastasis by Boyden invasion assay and wound healing assay. We performed western blot analysis and found that berberine inhibited phosphorylation of FAK and Src and suppress the cell invasion capacities. In vivo anti-tumor study, BALB/c nu/nu nude mice xenograft model were inoculated intravenously with Si Ha cells. The average tumor volume of treatment groups was statistically lower than that of the control group. Berberine was also evidenced by its inhibition on the lung metastasis of Si Ha cells by tail vein injection in vivo. These findings suggested that berberine could reduce the metastasis of cervical cancer cells by inhibited phosphorylation of FAK and regulate the cytoskeleton. Besides, berberine with low concentration enhances the activities of doxorubicin and Taxol. Taken together, berberine may be used for the reduction of the metastasis of cervical cancer cells, thereby constituting an adjuvant treatment for metastasis control.