Effects of Shugansanjie Tang on matrix metalloproteinases 1, 3 and 9 and telomerase reverse transcriptase expression in human breast cells in vitro

Abstract

Background: The traditional Chinese medication Shugansanjie Tang (SGT), whose active component is Akebia Trifoliate Koidz, possesses potential anti-tumor and immunostimulatory effects especially for breast cancer. The invasive processes of such cancers have been attributed to matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) which may be the key factor mediating this process. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) catalyze the lengthening of telomeres, which prolongs cell life and interrupts natural cell death. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of Shugansanjie Tang on MMP levels and TERT activity using breast cancer cell lines. Materials and methods: We used the breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and BT-483. Cell inhibition rate was measured by WST-1 reagent, cell apoptosis by Apoptotic DNA Ladder Kit, mRNA expression of MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 by PCR and TERT by immunohistochemistry stain. Results: Comparing to the control group, the test group showed lower cell growth rate, decreased mRNA expression of MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 production and less intense staining of MMPs with diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that Shugansanjie Tang inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells by apoptosis and lowers the level of certain matrix metalloproteinases and activity of telomerase reverse transcriptase in breast cancer in vitro. © 2007 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.