Leonurine inhibits breast cancer cell growth and angiogenesis via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Abstract

Purpose: To elucidate the effect of leonurine on the proliferation, invasion, migration, and angiogenetic potential of breast cancer cells. Methods: Human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) and normal breast cell line, (SK-BR-3) were cultured. Both cell lines were treated with 200, 400, or 800 μM leonurine and cultured for 0 (control), 24, 48, or 72 h. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and colony formation assays were performed to measure cell viability and proliferation. Invasion and migration were evaluated using in vitro invasion and wound healing assays, respectively, while angiogenesis was evaluated by the formation of branching point structures. Furthermore, phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR were assessed by Western blot. Cell viability, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis were further investigated in media including 740Y-P, 800 μM leonurine, and 800 μM leonurine plus 740Y-P. Results: Leonurine inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells and weakened breast cancer cell invasion, migration, and angiogenetic potential in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Furthermore, leonurine repressed PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway by reducing the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR. Leonurine also inhibited breast cancer progression (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Leonurine inhibits breast cancer progression by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and is thus, a potential agent for the management of breast cancer.