Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell (BMSC) Downregulates Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Promotes the Apoptosis of Melanoma Cells

Abstract

This study assessed BMSC’s effect on melanoma cells. The melanoma A375 cells were assigned into blank group, BMSC group, ERK agonist group, AKT agonist group, ERK + AKT agonist group and ERK + AKT repressor group followed by analysis of VEGF expression, cell apoptotic rate, and the expression of MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signal proteins. ERK and AKT agonist group showed highest VEGF expression, lowest cell apoptosis and Bcl-2 and Bcl-2/Bax expression as well as highest MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling proteins followed by ERK agonist group and AKT agonist group. The apoptosis of melanoma cells could be prompted by BMSC which might be through restraining the activity of MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signal pathway. In conclusion, the apoptosis of melanoma cells is prompted by BMSC through restraining the activity of MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signal pathway, indicating that BMSC might be used as a novel approach for the treatment of melanoma.