Low-frequency ultrasound and microbubbles combined with simvastatin promote the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells by affecting the LATS1/YAP/RHAMM pathway

Ultrasound scanning has widespread used in clinical practice and also has therapeutic applications. Simvastatin is a statins that is able to competitively inhibit the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase. The aim of the present study was to investigate the roles and mechanisms of low-frequency ultrasound (LFU) and microbubbles combined with simvastatin on MCF-7 cell growth and apoptosis. Cell viability, apoptosis and cell cycle were evaluated using an MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of related proteins was measured by western blot assay. The results revealed that simvastatin and LFU with microbubbles reduces the viability of MCF-7 cells. The combination of LFU and microbubbles with simvastatin promoted the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, it was confirmed that LFU and microbubbles combined with simvastatin affected the large tumor suppressor 1 (LATS1)/yes-associated protein (YAP)/receptor of the hyaluronan-mediated motility (RHAMM) pathway in MCF-7 cells. It was determined that LATS1 acts as a negative regulator in the LATS1/YAP/RHAMM pathway in MCF-7 cells. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that LFU and microbubbles combined with simvastatin promotes the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells via the LATS1/YAP/RHAMM pathway. The present study suggested a possible strategy for the treatment of breast cancer.