Isoalantolactone inhibits the migration and invasion of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells via suppression of the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway

Isoalantolactone is a bioactive sesquiterpene lactone isolated from the flowering plant Inula helenium L. This study was conducted to assess the anti-migratory and anti-invasive activities of isoalantolactone in MDA-MB-231 cells, and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Wound-healing and Transwell chambers assays demonstrated that isoalantolactone inhibited the adhesion, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. The activity and expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were downregulated by isoalantolactone in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, isoalantolactone markedly decreased the p-p38 MAPK level, whereas no significant change in p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK1/2 was noted. The downregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein expression and suppression of in vitro invasion might be associated with the blockade of p38 MAPK activation. Furthermore, isoalantolactone blocked the translocation of NF-κB p65 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. These results revealed that isoalantolactone inhibited the adhesion, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells via suppression of the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, and isoalantolactone might be an alternative treatment for breast cancer.