Steroidal Saponins from Paris polyphylla Suppress Adhesion, Migration and Invasion of Human Lung Cancer A549 Cells Via Down-Regulating MMP-2 and MMP-9

Background: Tumor metastases are the main reasons for oncotherapy failure. Paris polyphylla (Chinese name:Chonglou) has traditionally been used for its anti-cancer actions. In this article, we focus on the regulation ofhuman lung cancer A549 cell metastases and invasion by Paris polyphylla steroidal saponins (PPSS). Materialsand
Methods: Cell viability was evaluated in A549 cells by MTT assay. Effects of PPSS on invasion and migrationwere investigated by wound-healing and matrigel invasion chamber assays. Adhesion to type IV collagen andlaminin was evaluated by MTT assay. Expression and protease activity of two matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs),MMP-2 and MMP-9, were analyzed by Western blotting and gelatin zymography, respectively.
Results: PPSSexerted growth inhibitory effects on A549 cells, and effectively inhibited A549 cell adhesion, migration andinvasion in a concentration-dependent manner. Western blotting and gelatin zymography analysis revealed thatPPSS inhibited the expression and secretion of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in A549 cells.
Conclusions: PPSS has thepotential to suppress the migration, adhesion and invasion of A549 cells. PPSS could be a potential candidatefor interventions against lung cancer metastases.