Dihydromyricetin suppresses cell metastasis in human osteosarcoma through SP-1- and NF-κB-modulated urokinase plasminogen activator inhibition

Asiatic acid inhibits osteosarcoma cell migration and invasion via the AKT/Sp1/MMP1 axis

Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor affecting adolescents and children. No effective treatment is currently available. Asiatic acid (AA), a triterpenoid compound found in Centella asiatica, possesses anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties in various types of tumor cells. This study aims to determine whether AA exerts antitumor effects in human osteosarcoma cells. Our results indicate that AA does not influence the viability, proliferative rate, or cell cycle phase of human osteosarcoma cells under non-toxic conditions. AA suppressed osteosarcoma cell migration and invasion by down-regulating matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) expression. Data in the TNMplot database suggested MMP1 expression was higher in osteosarcoma than in normal tissues, with associated clinical significance observed in osteosarcoma patients. Overexpression of MMP1 in osteosarcoma cells reversed the AA-induced suppression of cell migration and invasion. AA treatment decreased the expression of specificity protein 1 (Sp1), while Sp1 overexpression abolished the effect of AA on MMP1 expression and cell migration and invasion. AA inhibited AKT phosphorylation, and treatment with a PI3K inhibitor (wortmannin) increased the anti-invasive effect of AA on osteosarcoma cells via the p-AKT/Sp1/MMP1 axis. Thus, AA exhibits the potential for use as an anticancer drug against human osteosarcoma.

Amicis Omnia Sunt Communia: NF-κB Inhibition as an Alternative to Overcome Osteosarcoma Heterogeneity

Tumor heterogeneity poses a significant challenge in osteosarcoma (OS) treatment. In this regard, the "omics" era has constantly expanded our understanding of biomarkers and altered signaling pathways (i.e., PI3K/AKT/mTOR, WNT/β-catenin, NOTCH, SHH/GLI, among others) involved in OS pathophysiology. Despite different players and complexities, many commonalities have been described, among which the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) stands out. Its altered activation is pervasive in cancer, with pleiotropic action on many disease-relevant traits. Thus, in the scope of this article, we highlight the evidence of NF-κB dysregulation in OS and its integration with other cancer-related pathways while we summarize the repertoire of compounds that have been described to interfere with its action. In silico strategies were used to demonstrate that NF-κB is closely coordinated with other commonly dysregulated signaling pathways not only by functionally interacting with several of their members but also by actively participating in the regulation of their transcription. While existing inhibitors lack selectivity or act indirectly, the therapeutic potential of targeting NF-κB is indisputable, first for its multifunctionality on most cancer hallmarks, and secondly, because, as a common downstream effector of the many dysregulated pathways influencing OS aggressiveness, it turns complex regulatory networks into a simpler picture underneath molecular heterogeneity.

Identification of vilazodone as a novel plasminogen activator inhibitor to overcome Alzheimer's disease through virtual screening, molecular dynamics simulation, and biological evaluation

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU), a member of the S1 serine peptidase family in Clan PA, plays a crucial role in the conversion of plasminogen into active plasmin. However, the precise role of PLAU in the central nervous system remains incompletely elucidated, particularly, in relation to Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we successfully identified that PLAU could promote cell senescence in neurons, indicating it as a potential target for AD treatment through a systematic approach, which included both bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification. Subsequently, a structure-based virtual screening approach was employed to identify a potential PLAU inhibitor from the Food and Drug Administration-approved drug database. After analyzing docking scores and thoroughly examining the receptor-ligand complex interaction modes, vilazodone emerges as a highly promising PLAU inhibitor. Additionally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to generate a complex structure between the relatively stable inhibitor vilazodone and PLAU. Of note, vilazodone exhibited superior cytotoxicity against senescent cells, showing a senolytic activity through targeting PLAU and ultimately producing an anti-AD effect. These findings suggest that targeting PLAU could represent a promising therapeutic strategy for AD. Furthermore, investigating the inhibitory potential and structural modifications based on vilazodone may provide valuable insights for future drug development targeting PLAU in AD disorders.

Multiple molecular and cellular mechanisms of the antitumour effect of dihydromyricetin (Review)

Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a natural flavonoid compound with multiple antitumour effects, including inhibition of proliferation, promotion of apoptosis, inhibition of invasion and migration, clearance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induction of autophagy. For example, DHM can effectively block the progression of the tumour cell cycle and inhibit cell proliferation. In different types of cancer cells, DHM can regulate the PI3K/Akt pathway, mTOR, and NF-κB pathway components, such as p53, and endoplasmic reticulum stress can alter the accumulation of ROS or induce autophagy to promote the apoptosis of tumour cells. In addition, when DHM is used in combination with various known chemotherapy drugs, such as paclitaxel, nedaplatin, doxorubicin, oxaliplatin and vinblastine, it can increase the sensitivity of tumour cells to DHM and increase the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy drugs. In the present review, the multiple molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the antitumour effect of DHM, as well as its ability to increase the effects of various traditional antitumour drugs were summarized. Through the present review, it is expected by the authors to draw attention to the potential of DHM as an antitumour drug and provide valuable references for the clinical translation of DHM research and the development of related treatment strategies.

Morin inhibits osteosarcoma migration and invasion by suppressing urokinase plasminogen activator through a signal transducer and an activator of transcription 3

Osteosarcoma, the most common primary bone cancer that affects adolescents worldwide, has the early metastatic potential to be responsible for high mortality rates. Morin has a multipurpose role in numerous cancers, whereas little is known about its role in osteosarcoma migration and invasion. Therefore, we hypothesized that morin suppresses the invasive activities and the migratory potential of human osteosarcoma cells. Our results showed that morin reduced migration and invasion capabilities in human osteosarcoma U2OS and HOS cells. Moreover, morin inhibited the urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) expression through a signal transducer and an activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) phosphorylation. After STAT3 overexpression, the decrease of the migratory potential and uPA expression caused by 100 μM of morin in U2OS cells was countered, indicating that STAT3 contributes to the antimetastatic property of morin in human osteosarcoma cells by reducing uPA. In conclusion, morin may be a potential candidate for the antimetastatic treatment of human osteosarcoma.

Effect of traditional Chinese medicine in osteosarcoma: Cross-interference of signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets

Osteosarcoma (OS) has a high recurrence rate, disability rate, mortality and metastasis, it brings great economic burden and psychological pressure to patients, and then seriously affects the quality of life of patients. At present, the treatment methods of OS mainly include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgical therapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with limb salvage surgery. These treatment methods can relieve the clinical symptoms of patients to a certain extent, and also effectively reduce the disability rate, mortality and recurrence rate of OS patients. However, because metastasis of tumor cells leads to new complications, and OS cells become resistant with prolonged drug intervention, which reduces the sensitivity of OS cells to drugs, these treatments still have some limitations. More and more studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the characteristics of "multiple targets and multiple pathways," and can play an important role in the development of OS through several key signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, tyrosine kinase/transcription factor 3 (JAK/STAT3), Notch, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad, nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Hippo/YAP, OPG/RANK/RANKL, Hedgehog and so on. In this paper, the signaling pathways of cross-interference between active ingredients of TCM and OS were reviewed, and the development status of novel OS treatment was analyzed. The active ingredients in TCM can provide therapeutic benefits to patients by targeting the activity of signaling pathways. In addition, potential strategies for targeted therapy of OS by using ferroptosis were discussed. We hope to provide a unique insight for the in-depth research and clinical application of TCM in the fields of OS growth, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance by understanding the signaling crosstalk between active ingredients in TCM and OS.

A comprehensive review of vine tea: Origin, research on Materia Medica, phytochemistry and pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Vine tea is a popular folk tea that has been consumed in China for more than 1200 years. It is often used in ethnic medicine by ethnic groups in southwest China with at least 35 aliases in 10 provinces. In coastal areas, vine tea is mostly used to treat heatstroke, aphtha, aphonia, toothache, etc. In contrast, in the southwest inland regions, vine tea is mostly used to clear away heat and toxic materials, antiphlogosis and relieving sore-throat, lowering blood pressure and lipid levels, and alleviating fatigue. Three main species have been used as the source of vine tea, Nekemias grossedentata, Nekemias cantonensis and Nekemias megalophylla. Among them, the leaves of Nekemias grossedentata were considered as new food resource in complicance with regulations, according to the Food Safety Standards published by the Monitoring and Evaluation Department of the National Health and Family Planning Commission in China.

AIM OF THE STUDY

At present, the comprehensively summary of Materia Medica on the history and source of vine tea is currently unavailable. The current article summed up the Materia Medica, species origin and pharmacological effects of all 3 major species used in vine tea to fill the knowledge gaps. We also aim to provide a reference for future research on historical textual, resource development and medicinal utilization of vine tea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adhering to the literature screening methodology outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), this review encompasses 148 scholarly research papers from three database, paper ancient books, local chronicles and folklore through field investigations. We then comprehensively summarized and discussed research progresses in scientific and application studies of vine tea.

RESULTS

The historical records indicated that vine tea could have been used as early as Southern and Northern Dynasties (AC 420-589). Nekemias grossedentata, Nekemias cantonensis and Nekemias megalophylla, were used to considered as vine tea in the ethnic medicine. The main phytochemicals found in three plants are flavonoids, polyphenols and terpenoids, among which dihydromyricetin (DHM) is the most important and most studied active substance. The key words "Ampelopsis grossedentata" (Synonym of Nekemias grossedentata) and "dihydromyricetin/DHM" showed the highest frequency over the last 27 year based on the research trend analysis. And the ethnopharmacology studies drawn the main activities of vine tea are antioxidant, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and anti-atherosclerosis activities.

CONCLUSIONS

This review systematically summarized and discussed vine tea from the following five aspects, history, genetic relationship, phytochemistry, research trend and ethnopharmacology. Vine tea has a long historical usage in Chinese ethnic medicine. Its outstanding therapeutic efficacies have attracted extensive attention in other places in the world at present. Nekemias cantonensis and Nekemias megalophylla are quite similar to Nekemias grossedentata in terms of many aspects. However, the current research has a narrow focus on mainly Nekemias grossedentata and DHM. We propose that future studies could be carried out to determine the synergistic effect of multi-components and multi-targets of vine tea including all 3 species to provide valuable knowledge.

Targeting signaling pathways in osteosarcoma: Mechanisms and clinical studies

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly prevalent bone malignancy among adolescents, accounting for 40% of all primary malignant bone tumors. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with limb-preserving surgery has effectively reduced patient disability and mortality, but pulmonary metastases and OS cells' resistance to chemotherapeutic agents are pressing challenges in the clinical management of OS. There has been an urgent need to identify new biomarkers for OS to develop specific targeted therapies. Recently, the continued advancements in genomic analysis have contributed to the identification of clinically significant molecular biomarkers for diagnosing OS, acting as therapeutic targets, and predicting prognosis. Additionally, the contemporary molecular classifications have revealed that the signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT3, Hippo, Notch, PD-1/PD-L1, MAPK, and NF-κB, have an integral role in OS onset, progression, metastasis, and treatment response. These molecular classifications and biological markers have created new avenues for more accurate OS diagnosis and relevant treatment. We herein present a review of the recent findings for the modulatory role of signaling pathways as possible biological markers and treatment targets for OS. This review also discusses current OS therapeutic approaches, including signaling pathway-based therapies developed over the past decade. Additionally, the review covers the signaling targets involved in the curative effects of traditional Chinese medicines in the context of expression regulation of relevant genes and proteins through the signaling pathways to inhibit OS cell growth. These findings are expected to provide directions for integrating genomic, molecular, and clinical profiles to enhance OS diagnosis and treatment.

Apoptotic effect and cell arrest of deoxyshikonin in human osteosarcoma cells through the p38 pathway

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer that affects adolescents with early metastatic potential and drastically reduces their long-term survival rate if pulmonary metastases are detected at diagnosis. The natural naphthoquinol compound deoxyshikonin exhibits anticancer properties, so we hypothesized that it has an apoptotic effect on osteosarcoma U2OS and HOS cells and studied its mechanisms. After deoxyshikonin treatment, dose-dependent decreases in cell viability, induction of cell apoptosis and arrest in the sub-G1 phase of U2OS and HOS cells were observed. The increases in cleaved caspase 3 expression and the decreases in X-chromosome-linked IAP (XIAP) and cellular inhibitors of apoptosis 1 (cIAP-1) expressions after deoxyshikonin treatment in the human apoptosis array were identified in HOS cells, and dose-dependent expression changes of IAPs and cleaved caspase 3, 8 and 9 were verified by Western blotting in U2OS and HOS cells. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK)1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK)1/2 and p38 expressions in U2OS and HOS cells was also increased by deoxyshikonin in a dose-dependent manner. Subsequently, cotreatment with inhibitors of ERK (U0126), JNK (JNK-IN-8) and p38 (SB203580) was performed to show that p38 signalling is responsible for deoxyshikonin-induced apoptosis in U2OS and HOS cells, but not via the ERK and JNK pathways. These discoveries demonstrate that deoxyshikonin may be a possible chemotherapeutic candidate to induce cell arrest and apoptosis by activating extrinsic and intrinsic pathways through p38 for human osteosarcoma.

Dihydromyricetin attenuates intracerebral hemorrhage by reversing the effect of LCN2 via the system Xc- pathway

BACKGROUND

The limited understanding of the pathological mechanisms of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and the absence of successful therapies lead to poor prognoses for patients with ICH. Dihydromyricetin (DMY) has many physiological functions, such as regulating lipid and glucose metabolism and modulating tumorigenesis. Moreover, DMY has been proven to be an effective treatment of neuroprotection. However, no reports to date have been made regarding the impact of DMY on ICH.

PURPOSE

This investigation aimed to identify the role of DMY on ICH in mice and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS/RESULTS

This study demonstrated that DMY treatment effectively reduced hematoma size and cell apoptosis of brain tissue, and improved neurobehavioral outcomes in mice with ICH. Transcriptional and network pharmacological analyses revealed that lipocalin-2 (LCN2) was a potential target of DMY in ICH. After ICH, LCN2 mRNA and protein expression in brain tissue increased and DMY could inhibit the expression of LCN2. The rescue experiment with the implementation of LCN2 overexpression verified these observations. Furthermore, after DMY treatment, there was a significant decrease in cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), phospho-extracellular regulated protein kinase (P-ERK), iron deposition, and the number of abnormal mitochondria, which were reversed by the overexpression of LCN2. Proteomics analysis suggests that SLC3A2 may be the downstream target of LCN2, promoting ferroptosis. Finally, LCN2 was shown to bind to SLC3A2 and regulate the downstream glutathione (GSH) synthesis and Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression and glutathione (GSH) synthesis, as determined by molecular docking and co-immunoprecipitation analysis.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirmed for the first time that DMY might offer a favorable treatment for ICH through its action on LCN2. The possible mechanism for this could be that DMY reverses the inhibitory effect of LCN2 on the system Xc-, lessening ferroptosis in brain tissue. The findings of this study offer a greater understanding of how DMY affects ICH at a molecular level and could be conducive to developing therapeutic targets for ICH.

Screening for MicroRNA combination with engineered exosomes as a new tool against osteosarcoma in elderly patients

The most common primary malignant bone sarcoma is Osteogenic sarcoma (OS) which has a bimodal age distribution. Unfortunately, the treatment of OS was less effective for elderly patients than for younger ones. The study aimed to explore a new microRNA (miRNA) which can bind to combining engineered exosomes for treatment of older OS patients. Based on GSE65071 and miRNet 2.0, two up-regulated miRNAs (miR-328, miR-107) and seven down-regulated miRNAs (miR-133b, miR-206, miR-1-3p, miR-133a, miR-449a, miR-181daysay, miR-134) were selected. Next, we used FunRich software to predict the up-stream transcription factors (TFs) of differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs). By comparing target genes predicted from DE-miRNAs with differentially expressed genes, we identified 12 down-regulated and 310 up-regulated mRNAs. For KEGG analysis, the most enriched KEGG pathway was Cell cycle, Spliceosome, and Protein digestion and absorption. By using protein-protein interactions network, topological analysis algorithm and GEPIA database, miR-449a /CCNB1 axis was identified. Experiments in vitro were conducted to confirm the results too. MiRNA-449a is down-regulated in osteosarcoma and suppresses cell proliferation by targeting CCNB1. Our findings not only reveal a novel mechanism of miR-449a /CCNB1 in OS but also had laid the groundwork for further investigation and analysis in the field of exosome engineering.

Dihydromyricetin Inhibited Migration and Invasion by Reducing S100A4 Expression through ERK1/2/β-Catenin Pathway in Human Cervical Cancer Cell Lines

Cervical cancer has a poor prognosis and is the fourth most common cancer among women. Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a flavonoid compound, exhibits several pharmacological activities, including anticancer effects; however, the effects of DHM on cervical cancer have received insufficient research attention. This study examined the antitumor activity and underlying mechanisms of DHM on human cervical cancer. Our results indicated that DHM inhibits migration and invasion in HeLa and SiHa cell lines. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing analysis revealed that DHM suppressed S100A4 mRNA expression in HeLa cells. Moreover, DHM inhibited the protein expressions of β-catenin and GSK3β through the regulated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 signaling pathway. By using the ERK1/2 activator, T-BHQ, reverted β-catenin and S100A4 protein expression and cell migration, which were reduced in response to DHM. In conclusion, our study indicated that DHM inhibited cell migration by reducing the S100A4 expression through the ERK1/2/β-catenin pathway in human cervical cancer cell lines.

cyy260 suppresses the proliferation, migration and tumor growth of osteosarcoma by targeting PDGFR-β signaling pathway

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a group of malignant tumors with high rates of malignancy and metastasis. OS most commonly affects adolescents and young individuals. However, owing to the lack of effective targeted treatments, the 5-year survival rate for OS is still around 20%. Thus, it is essential to develop effective drugs with low toxicity for OS treatment. In the present study, we investigated the antitumor effect and underlying mechanism of cyy260 in OS via suppressing PDGFR-β and its downstream pathway. We demonstrated that cyy260 inhibits OS cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis via inducing DNA damage and causing cell cycle arrest. More importantly, cyy260 also significantly inhibits tumor migration. Further analysis of molecular mechanisms confirmed that PDGFR-β and its downstream AKT, STAT3, and ERK were involved in the cyy260-mediated antitumor effect. Analysis of subcutaneously transplanted tumors in mice showed that cyy260 suppressed tumor cell growth and exhibited low toxicity in vivo. Collectively, these findings proved that cyy260 could serve as a promising PDGFR-β inhibitor for the treatment of OS.

The Multiple Roles of CD147 in the Development and Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Overview

Cluster of differentiation (CD)147, also termed extracellular matrix metalloprotease inducer or basigin, is a glycoprotein ubiquitously expressed throughout the human body, the oral cavity included. CD147 actively participates in physiological tissue development or growth and has important roles in reactive processes such as inflammation, immunity, and tissue repair. It is worth noting that deregulated expression and/or activity of CD147 is observed in chronic inflammatory or degenerative diseases, as well as in neoplasms. Among the latter, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is characterized by an upregulation of CD147 in both the neoplastic and normal cells constituting the tumor mass. Most interestingly, the expression and/or activity of CD147 gradually increase as healthy oral mucosa becomes inflamed; hyperplastic/dysplastic lesions are then set on, and, eventually, OSCC develops. Based on these findings, here we summarize published studies which evaluate whether CD147 could be employed as a marker to monitor OSCC development and progression. Moreover, we describe CD147-promoted cellular and molecular events which are relevant to oral carcinogenesis, with the aim to provide useful information for assessing whether CD147 may be the target of novel therapeutic approaches directed against OSCC.

Present Status, Challenges, and Prospects of Dihydromyricetin in the Battle against Cancer

Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a natural flavonoid compound extracted from Ampelopsis grossedentata that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. DHM has attracted intensive attention due to its numerous beneficial activities, such as hepatoprotection, cardioprotection, antioxidant, and anti-inflammation. In addition, DHM inhibits the progression of cancers such as lung cancer, hepatocellular cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, and malignant reproductive systems through multiple mechanisms, including antiangiogenesis, antiproliferation, apoptosis, and inhibition of invasion and migration. Notably, DHM also activates autophagy at different levels, exerting a dual-regulatory effect on cancers. Mechanistically, DHM can effectively regulate mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), noncoding RNA-mediated signaling, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), p53, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress)-driven signaling in different types of cancers. DHM has also been shown to have inhibitory effects on various regulators that trigger epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, DHM exhibits a remarkable anticancer reversal ability when used in combination with drugs such as adriamycin, nedaplatin, and other drugs. However, the low bioavailability of DHM limits its potential applications, which are improved through structural modification and the exploration of novel dosage forms. Therefore, DHM may become a promising candidate for treating malignancies alone or combined with conventional anticancer strategies used in clinical practice.

A poloxamer/hyaluronic acid/chitosan-based thermosensitive hydrogel that releases dihydromyricetin to promote wound healing

Wounds caused by accidents and surgery are inevitable, and inflammation and microbial infection during the healing process are serious clinical challenges, resulting in slow wound healing. In this study, we created a 37 °C-sensitive hydrogel using poloxamer, chitosan and hyaluronic acid, loaded with the active substance dihydromyricetin, and further evaluated its potential for wound healing. The hydrogels were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis for their micromorphological structure, characteristic functional groups, crystal structure and thermal stability, and in vitro drug release assays showed that the hydrogel could slowly release dihydromyricetin. In addition, the hydrogels were found to exhibit good biocompatibility and significant in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity according to hemolysis, in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory tests. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazole cytotoxicity tests verified that the film was non-toxic to human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells, while in vivo experiments showed that this hydrogel could promote skin repair by promoting skin-associated growth factor expression and inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B-mediated cellular inflammatory factors. These results demonstrated that the temperature-sensitive hydrogels loaded with dihydromyricetin could serve as potential candidates for guided skin repair.

Dihydromyricetin inhibits cancer cell migration and matrix metalloproteinases-2 expression in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma through extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is endemic in Southeast Asia and the main cause of treatment failure is metastasis. A lot of biological and pharmacological actions of dihydromyricetin (DHM) have been reported such as regulating glucose and anti-cancer effects. The effects of DHM on the cancer invasion and migration of NPC, however, are still unclear. We therefore investigated the in vitro anti-metastatic properties of DHM on three human NPC cell lines (HONE-1, NPC-39, and NPC-BM), as well as the underlying signaling pathways. Our study revealed that DHM could suppress the migration and invasion in NPC cells. Gelatin zymography assay and western blotting assays demonstrated that DHM suppressed the enzyme activity and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2). Mitogen-activated protein kinases were also investigated to elucidate the signaling pathway, which showed that phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) was inhibited after the treatment of DHM. In conclusion, our data revealed that DHM inhibited the migration and invasion of NPC cells by suppressing the expression of MMP-2 via down regulating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.