Extract of Makgeolli suldeot downregulates NF-κB-mediated MMP-9 expression, thereby inhibiting invasive activity in a human breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231.

Makgeolli is a Korean traditional alcoholic beverage prepared by fermenting rice starch using nuruk. It is known for its health benefits, but the mechanisms underlying its inhibitory effects on cancer remain unclear. Here a 70% ethanol extract of Makgeolli suldeot (70EMS) was tested for its inhibitory activities against cancer metastasis. This extract interrupted the formation of the neovasculature and reduced the migratory and invasive activity of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, it dose-dependently suppressed the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and Akt. Moreover, 70EMS strongly inhibited the translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) into the nucleus and expression of activator protein-1 (AP-1). These data indicate that the anti-invasive effect of 70EMS may be related to the inhibition of ERK1/2, phosphorylation of JNK, and reduced expression of NF-κB and AP-1, thereby attenuating MMP-9 in human breast cancer cells.