Matrine exerts anti-breast cancer activity by mediating apoptosis and protective autophagy via the AKT/mTOR pathway in MCF-7 cells

Matrine, a major alkaloid isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Sophora flavescens, has been used clinically to treat breast cancer in China. However, the effects of matrine on apoptosis and autophagy in breast cancer cells remain unclear. In the present study, the anti-breast cancer capacity of matrine was evaluated and its role in regulating apoptosis and autophagy in vitro was investigated. Matrine significantly inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cells. In addition, Hoechst 33342 staining and Annexin V/propidium iodide staining demonstrated that incubation with matrine induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, matrine induced autophagy in MCF-7 cells, manifesting as an accumulation of light chain 3 II and downregulation of p62. Additionally, matrine suppressed AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation, indicating that the AKT/mTOR pathway is involved in matrine-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Overall, the results of the present study indicated that matrine possesses anti-breast cancer activity by providing protective autophagy via inhibition of the AKT/mTOR pathway. These findings indicated that matrine may be a promising candidate for drug development targeting breast cancer.