Pinosylvin reduced migration and invasion of oral cancer carcinoma by regulating matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway

Abstract

BackgroundPinosylvin possesses several biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antioxidant characteristics. However, the effects of pinosylvin on the migration and invasion of human oral cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Hypothesis/purposeIn this research, we investigated the outcome of different concentrations of pinosylvin (0–80 μM) on the metastatic and invasive abilities of SAS, SCC-9, and HSC-3 cells. Methods and resultsWestern blotting assay and Gelatin zymography assay indicated that pinosylvin inhibited the enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and reduced its protein level but increased the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2). Additionally, the wound healing assay and Transwell method showed that pinosylvin reduced the migration of SAS, SCC-9 and HSC-3 oral cancer cells. Besides, pinosylvin decreased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 protein experssion in both SAS and SCC-9 cells. ConclusionThese results indicate that pinosylvin is a potential anticancer agent for preventing oral cancer metastasis.