Effect of berberine on invasion and migration induced by transforming growth factor-β1 in lung cancer A549 cells

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of berberine on the invasion and migration of lung cancer A549 cells induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1.

MethodsThe effects of 1.25, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 ng/mL TGF-β1 on the morphology of A549 cells were observed at 24 and 48 h, respectively.Wound scratch assay and Transwell assay were applied to detect the changes of migration and invasion ability of A549 cells treated with different concentrations of TGF-β1 for 48 h.The cytotoxic activity of berberine at the concentration of 0-160 μmol/L in vitro was evaluated by SRB assay to find the safe concentration of berberine, then the effects of berberine at safe concentrations on the migration and invasion induced by TGF-β1 in A549 cells were determined.

ResultsA549 cells showed significant epithelial-mesenchymal transition morphological changes and stronger invasion and migration ability after 5 ng/mL TGF-β1 treatment for 48 h.Berberine within the concentration range of 10 μmol/L exhibited no cytotoxicity to A549 cells.Compared with TGF-β1 group, 2.5, 5, 10 μmol/L berberine significantly inhibited the invasion of A549 cells, and 10 μmol/L berberine obviously suppressed the migration of A549 cells.

ConclusionBerberine inhibits the invasion and migration of lung cancer A549 cells induced by TGF-β1.