Objective: To observe the changes of mRNA and protein expressions of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), MMP-9 in cervical cancer cells after stimulated by baicalein at different concentrations.
Methods: HeLa cells cultured in vitro were exposed to baicalein (0, 100 and 200 μmol/L) for 24 hours. The activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was measured by gelatin zymography, mRNA expressions of ERK1/2, MMP-2, MMP-9 were determined by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and protein expressions of ERK1/2, MMP-2, MMP-9 were detected by Western blotting.
Results: Compared with the control group, baicalein significantly decreased the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expressions of ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, MMP-2, MMP-9 also significantly decreased (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Baicalein can activate ERK1/2 signaling pathway and decreasing the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9.