Baicalein inhibits MMP-2 expression in human ovarian cancer cells by suppressing the p38 MAPK-dependent NF-κB signaling pathway.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) secreted by ovarian cancer play essential roles in tumor invasion and metastasis. In this study, we investigated the effect of baicalein, which is isolated from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, on human ovarian cancer cell lines by measuring MMP-2 expression, invasive potential, and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Analysis of MMP-2 was carried out by western blots and RT-PCR. The invasion ability of ovarian cancer cells was determined using a Transwell invasion assay. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and p38 MAPK activation was assessed by western blots. The results of the present study showed that baicalein reduced the expression of MMP-2 in a dose-dependent manner and the invasion of ovarian cancer cells was also significantly suppressed by baicalein. We also found that baicalein reduced the activation of NF-κB signaling molecules; in addition, the MMP-2 expression and invasion ability of ovarian cancer cells were abolished with the treatment of the NF-κB inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate. However, the addition of p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 significantly reduced the activation of NF-κB; meanwhile, baicalein was shown to exert an inhibitory effect on p38 activation. Furthermore, the MMP-2 expression and invasion ability of ovarian cancer cells were significantly inhibited by SB203580. In conclusion, baicalein inhibits the MMP-2 expression and invasion ability of ovarian cancer cells, possibly by the p38 MAPK-dependent NF-κB signaling pathway; these findings may provide insights into the potential of using baicalein as a therapeutic strategy against ovarian cancer.