Baicalein and U 0126 suppress human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 through regulating MAPK signaling pathway

Backgroud: Baicalein is a member of active falvonoids compounds with anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infection effect. The aim of the present study was to explore the inhibition effect of baicalein on human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and the related mechanism. Methods: MCF-7 cells were treated by different concentrations of baicalein with or without U0126. Cell viability was tested by CCK8. Cell cycle was determined by flow cytometry. Cell migration was measured by wound healing assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL and Annexin V/PI. The mRNA and protein levels of apoptosis related genes were detected by real time PCR and Western blot. Results: CCK8 assay revealed that baicalein suppressed MCF-7 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Baicalein induced MCF-7 cell apoptosis, and the effect was enhanced by U0126 (P < 0.05). Flow cytometry results showed baicalein restrained MCF-7 cells in G0~G1 phase. Wound healing assay demonstrated that baicalein obviously inhibited MCF-7 cells migration compared with control (P < 0.05). Baicalein significantly downregulated mRNA and protein levels of ERK1/2, GSK-3β, and p38 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Baicalein inhibited MCF-7 cell proliferation, restrain cell cycle in G0~G1 phase, induced cell apoptosis, and suppressed cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. Baicalein played its role by regulating ERK expression. It can be used for breast cancer treatment.