Oxytocin Supplementation Demonstrates Potential in Reducing Breast Cancer Growth via Regulation of the PIK3CA/ULK1/Autophagy Axis

Abstract

Breast cancer stands as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among patients worldwide. The emerging trend in cancer prevention and treatment involves harnessing endogenous substances to regulate disease occurrence and progression. This study aimed to decipher the inhibitory effect of oxytocin on breast cancer and its underlying mechanism. Leveraging network pharmacology and molecular docking, we screened oxytocin's key targets in breast cancer. Our in vitro analysis revealed oxytocin's anti-proliferative, anti-migratory, and apoptosis-inducing properties in human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and ZR-75-1. Additionally, oxytocin significantly suppressed the growth of MCF-7 transplanted tumors in nude mice. Western blot analysis detected oxytocin's modulation of PIK3CA expression and autophagy pathway factors, including ULK1, p62, LC3-Ⅰ, and LC3-Ⅱ, leading us to propose a mechanism involving the PIK3CA/ULK1/autophagy axis. The findings indicate that oxytocin effectively inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation and migration, promotes apoptosis, and reduces tumor growth, potentially through regulation of the PIK3CA/ULK1/autophagy pathway. Low-dose oxytocin supplementation emerges as a promising strategy for breast cancer prevention and treatment.