Abstract: Objective To study the effects of silymarin on invasion and migration of MHCC97 cell lines, and explore the possible molecule mechanism. Methods Cell suppression rates were detected by MTT assay. Migration, invasion and adhesion of MHCC97 cells after silymarin treatment were observed by cell migration assay, wound healing assay and cell-matrix adhesion assay. The mRNA and protein levels of MMP9, VEGF, E-cadherin, integrin β1 and Akt were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western Blot separately. Results The silymarin suppressed growth rate of MHCC97 cells; and migration, invasion and adhesion abilities. The mRNA and protein levels of MMP-9, VEGF, Integrin β1 and p-Akt were also reduced, but the expressions of mRNA and protein of E-cadherin increased. Conclusions Silymarin can inhibit the growth of MHCC97 cells, and reduce the invasion, migration, and adhesion abilities of MHCC97 cell lines.

Key words: liver cancer, MHCC97 cells, silymarin, invasion, migration