Effect of matrine against breast cancer by downregulating the vascular endothelial growth factor via the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of matrine on breast cancer and its underlying mechanism. Matrine is a major component of Sophora flavescens, exhibited antitumor activity in a number of neoplasms, including breast cancer. The present study revealed that matrine inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in 4T1 and MCF‑7 cells in a dose‑ and time‑dependent manner in vitro. In addition, matrine suppressed the 4T1‑tumor growth, induced apoptosis, inhibited the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and downregulated the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway in vivo. All these findings indicated that matrine may be a novel effective candidate for the treatment of breast cancer.