Effects of Chinese medicinal herbs on expression of brain-derived Neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its interaction with human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and endothelial HUVECs

Abstract

BackgroundOur previous study demonstrated that an up-regulation of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) signaling pathway is involved the mechanism causing the recurrence of triple negative breast cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of commonly used Chinese medicinal herbs on MDA-MB-231 and HUVEC cells and how they interact with BDNF.MethodsHuman TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells and human endothelial HUVEC cells were used to explore the effect of commonly used Chinese herbal medicines on cancer cells alone, on endothelial cells alone and on cancer cell/endothelial cell interactions; this was done via functional studies, including migration and invasion assays. Furthermore, Western blot analysis and real-time PCR investigations were also used to investigate migration signal transduction, invasion signal transduction, and angiogenic signal transduction in these systems. Finally, the effect of the Chinese medicinal herbs on cancer cell/endothelial cell interactions was assessed using co-culture and ELISA.ResultsIn terms of autoregulation, BDNF up-regulated TrkB gene expression in both MDA-MB-231 and HUVEC cells. Furthermore, BDNF enhanced migration by MDA-MB-231 cells via Rac, Cdc42 and MMP, while also increasing the migration of HUVEC cells via MMP and COX-2 expression. As measured by ELISA, the Chinese herbal medicinal herbs A. membranaceus, P. lactiflora, L. chuanxiong, P. suffruticosa and L. lucidum increased BDNF secretion by MDA-MB-231 cells. Similarly, using a co-culture system with MDA-MB-231 cells, A. membranaceus and L. lucidum modulated BDNF-TrkB signaling by HUVEC cells.ConclusionWe conclude that BDNF plays an important role in the metastatic interaction between MDA-MB-231 and HUVEC cells. Some Chinese medicinal herbs are able to enhance the BDNF-related metastatic potential of the interaction between cancer cells and endothelial cells. These findings provide important information that should help with the development of integrated medical therapies for breast cancer patients.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1909-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Interleukin 17A Promotes Cell Migration, Enhances anoikis resistance, and Favors Microenvironment for Triple Negative Breast Cancer Tumor Metastasis

“…In vitro cell migration of MDA-MB-468/231 cells was performed using a trans-well system (ThinCertTM cell culture inserts, 24 well, 8 µm, Greiner bio-one, Switzerland) [18]. In brief, MDA-MB-468/231 cells were cultured in the upper chamber and different doses of IL-17A (0-, 1-, 10 ng/mL) were administrated in the lower chamber.…”

To explore the effects of herbal medicine among cancer patients in Taiwan: A cohort study

“…5 A preclinical study revealed that certain CHM ingredients may activate the brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling pathway in patients with triple-negative breast cancer, thus increasing the risk of recurrence or metastasis. 6 Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) program covers traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy. Between 1996 and 2001, more than 60% of all patients made claims for TCM therapy through the NHI program; of the TCM users, 85.9% received CHM therapy.…”

“…5 A preclinical study revealed that certain CHM ingredients may activate the brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling pathway in patients with triple-negative breast cancer, thus increasing the risk of recurrence or metastasis. 6…”

Baicalein-Enriched Fraction Extracted from Oroxylum indicum (L.) Benth. ex Kurz Leaves Exerts Antioxidant and Inhibitory Effects Against Glioblastoma Multiforme

“…Recently, there has been increased scientific interest in the study of phytochemicals from natural plant resources as complementary anticancer compounds due to their high bioavailability, minimal side effects (compared to the chemodrugs) and, most importantly, cost effectiveness. Several studies have validated the role of medicinal plants in prevention and treatment of various cancer models [8][9][10], setting new possibilities for alternative cancer therapies. In this study, the anti-cancer therapeutic role of baicalein, an active compound found abundantly in Oroxylum indicum (L.) Benth.…”