Study on the mechanism of houttuynin inducing apoptosis of MCF-7 cells by inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Abstract

Objective

The paper investigated the effect and molecular mechanism of Houttuynin on breast cancer in vitro, so as to provide clinical basis for the treatment of breast cancer with Houttuynin. Methods: Cell survival rate was measured by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and AO/EB double staining method. The expressions of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR proteins and their phosphorylation levels were determined by WB experiment. Results: Houttuynin can significantly inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells and arrest cell cycle in the G2/M phase. Houttuynin induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells through two pathways, namely, mitochondria and death receptors. It was verified by WB experiment that Houttuynin could induce autophagy in breast cancer cells and reduce the expressions of PI3K, AKT, mTOR and other proteins. Conclusion: Houttuynin induced breast cancer cell apoptosis by inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of breast cancer cells.

Keywords:
houttuynin; PI3K/AKT; apoptosis