Objective
To study the effects of apigenin on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231.
Methods
MTT assay was used to detect the cell proliferation inhibitory effect of apigenin on MDA-MB-231 cell. ELISA was used to determine the protein level of VEGF secreted by MDA-MB-231 cells. RT-PCR was used to detect mRNA levels of VEGF in MDA-MB-231 cells. The protein levels of HIF-1α, p-AKT, p-ERK1/2, and p53 were detected by Western Blotting.
Results
Apigenin did not inhibit the cell viability of MDA-MB-231 cell. Apigenin reduced the secretion and mRNA levels of VEGF in MDA-MB-231 cells. Additionally, apigenin decreased the expressions of HIF-1α, p-AKT and p-ERK1/2, but induced the expression of p53.
Conclusion
Apigenin can inhibit VEGF expression in human breast cancer cells, and this may be achieved through decreasing HIF-1α.