Caleb Stolarcyzk
Chinese Pharmacology 430
09/22/2018
A Discussion on Wei Ling Xian (Radix Clematidis)
Suppressing Human Breast Cancer Activation
Research:
Wei Ling Xian (WLX) is a powerful herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM). It is said to stop pain related to arthritis, most notably Rheumatoid Arthritis
(RA). There have been studies that have been investigating the effectiveness of WLX
with cancers, specifically breast cancer. In the paper “Radix clematidis extract inhibits
TPA-induced MMP-9 expression by suppressing NF-κB activation in MCF-7 human
breast cancer cells” the researchers investigate just that. They published a paper prior
where they found that WLX is effective in suppressing the nuclear factor-kB signaling
pathway. This is particularly import in the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9
(MMP-9); this compound is responsible for degrading the Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM)
which allows cancer cells to metastasize and invade surrounding cells. The current paper
is investigating the effectiveness of WLX on 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate
(TPA)- induced MMP-9 expression and cell invasion in MCF-7 cells (which is a type of
breast cancer).
Methods:
“MCF-7 cells were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection
(Manassas, VA, USA). Cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium
(DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1% antibiotics at 37˚C
in a 5% CO2 incubator. 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and 3-(4,5-
Caleb Stolarcyzk
Chinese Pharmacology 430
09/22/2018
dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)- 2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), dimethyl sulfoxide
(DMSO) and anti-β-actin antibody were obtained from Sigma (St. Louis, MO, USA).”
(Hur, Noh, Lee, & Kim 2011)
The WLX was processed in hot water after having its identity confirmed. A total number
of 200g was finely powdered and extracted in hot water for 4 hours. The extraction was
then centrifuged and concentrated under pressure. The cultured MCF-7 cells were then
treated using the WLX concentration extract.
Result:
“Effect of RCE on TPA-induced MCF-7 cell invasion in vitro. It has been reported
that the up-regulation of MMP-9 expression contributes to the invasion of cancer cells.
An in vitro invasion assay was used to investigate the inhibitory effects of WLX on the
invasive potency of breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells. Treatment of TPA increased MCF-7
cell invasion when compared with untreated control cells. Incubation of MCF-7 cells
with TPA resulted in a 10.5-fold increase in the invasion of MCF-7 cells. However,
treatment with WLX significantly reduced the TPA-induced cell invasion by 82%”.
(Hur, Noh, Lee, & Kim 2011)
The results showed that WLX was extremely effective in reducing the pathomechanism
that is responsible for the initiation of breast cancer metastasis. This means that WLX is
effective at stifling the potential of the breast cancer spreading, which is very often the
case.
Conclusion:
Caleb Stolarcyzk
Chinese Pharmacology 430
09/22/2018
The research was very well done with acceptable research methods. The results
were statistically significant at showing WLX being effective at greatly reducing the
possibility of the cancer cells metastasizing and spreading to other areas of the body,
making the breast cancer easier to treat. This holds very weighty implications for the
treatment of breast cancer using WLX. This action of WLX shouldn't take Oriental
Medical practitioners by surprise; we understand that WLX invigorates the channels and
collaterals while also transforming dampness. Some breast cancers can be seen as a
damp obstruction in the breast which is a condition that WLX is more than capable at
treating, as shown by this amazing research. This study should be continued so that a
greater western understanding can be achieved about the efficacy of Chinese herbs.
Caleb Stolarcyzk
Chinese Pharmacology 430
09/22/2018
Works Cited
Hur, Hyun, et al. “Radix Clematidis Extract Inhibits TPA-Induced MMP-9 Expression by
Suppressing NF-ΚB Activation in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer
Cells.” Molecular Medicine Reports, May 2011. Spandidos Publications,
Molecular Medicine Reports, doi:10.3892/mmr.2011.532.