Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human gastric carcinoma cell line BGC823 by modulation of transforming growth factor-β1/Smad signaling.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of BGC823 cell induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and to explore its mechanism.

METHODS

EMT model of BGC823 was stimulated by TGF-β1. Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum and LY-364947 were used as intervention. The proliferation and adhesion of BGC823 were detected by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide and flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis. The invasion and migration were detected by Transwell. The level of matrix metalloproteins was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expressions of related proteins and mRNA of EMT marker and TGF-β1/Smad signal pathway were detected by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Compared with the TGF-β1 group, Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum could inhibit the ability of proliferation, heterogeneous adhesion, invasion, and migration. It also promotes apoptosis and homotypic adhesion in BGC823, with a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum could regulate the expression of related proteins and mRNA of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, and inhibit the expressions of EMT transcription factors and EMT markers.

CONCLUSION

Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition by down-regulated the expression of TβRI and the activation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.