METHODS: The growth inhibitory activity on TNBC cells was measured using MTT assay and flow cytometry. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptotic markers were quantified using western blotting. The caspases using Calorimetric assay.
RESULTS: Brusatol along with paclitaxel showed an enhanced growth inhibitory activity and a combined synergistic effect. In addition, brusatol was also observed to inhibit the invasion, migratory potential of TNBC cells. Mechanistically, brusatol and its combination were observed to decrease the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and a modest increase in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, brusatol treatment activated both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways with morphological changes of apoptosis in TNBC cells.
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first in vitro report demonstrating antineoplastic, anti-EMT and synergistic activity of brusatol and in combination with paclitaxel in TNBC cell. Further in-vivo studies are needed to substantiate the above findings.