Ophiopogonin-D suppresses MDA-MB-435 cell adhesion and invasion by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-9.

Ophiopogonin-D is one of steroidal saponins isolated from the root of the Chinese medicinal plant Ophiopogon japonicas. It has been claimed to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. The present study was the first to examine the anti-tumor metastasis properties of ophiopogonin-D. An MTT assay showed that ophiopogonin-D inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-435 melanoma cells, and decreased invasion was demonstrated using a Transwell invasion assay. Furthermore, adhesion of MDA-MB-435 cells to human umbilical vascular endothelial cells and to fibronectin was inhibited by ophiopogonin-D. Gelatin zymography and western blot analysis showed that ophiopogonin-D inhibited the expression and secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), but not that of MMP-2. Inhibition of phosphorylation of p38 by ophiopogonin-D indicated its inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Overall, the results suggested that ophiopogonin-D may be considered as a candidate drug for treating or preventing tumor metastasis.