Chinese Herbal Formulas Miao-Yi-Ai-Tang Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Lung Cancer Cells through Targeting β-Catenin/AXIN and Presents Synergistic Effect with Cisplatin Suppressing Lung Cancer

Abstract

Objective. Lung cancer is one of the major causes of cancer deaths worldwide, and the five-year survival still remains low despite the improvement of screening, prevention, and treatment methods. Chinese herbal medicines have been widely used for tumor prevention and treatment. Miao-Yi-Ai-Tang (Miao) is a novel herbal formulation and shows a potential anticancer effect. Materials and Methods. Human Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell was used for study in vitro. After treatments by Miao and Cisplatin (DDP), the invasion, migration, proliferation, and apoptosis of cells were detected by transwell, wound healing, CCK-8, and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of β-catenin, AXIN, and c-myc was detected by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry staining. Western blotting was applied for measuring the protein expression of β-catenin. Subcutaneously transplanted tumor model of lung cancer NCI-H446 was established to investigate the influence of Miao on tumor growth. Results. We found that Miao could inhibit invasion, migration, and proliferation and promote apoptosis of human lung cancer cells. Meanwhile, Miao and DDP presented synergy regulating the proliferation and apoptosis of lung cancer cells. The percentage of lung cancer cells in S and G2 stages was increased markedly by Miao. Besides, the expression of c-myc, AXIN, and β-catenin was markedly inhibited by Miao. Tumor growth in vivo was markedly inhibited by Miao. Conclusions. Chinese herbal formulas Miao could suppress lung cancer through targeting the β-catenin/AXIN signaling pathway. Therefore, our findings may provide a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of lung cancer.