The potential mechanism of Saikosaponin D against luminal A breast cancer based on bioinformatical analysis, molecular docking and in vitro studies.

BACKGROUND: Saikosaponin D (SSD) has been shown to have the strongest anti-tumor activity. This study aimed to explore the effects and potential molecular mechanism of Saikosaponin D (SSD) against estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. METHODS: MCF-7 and T-47D cell lines were treated with a series of concentrations of SSD. Growth, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis tests were performed. Next, potential targets of SSD against breast cancer were predicted. The targets for SSD were collected from HERB database and PharmMapper Server and displayed accoding to degree. RESULTS: there was a dose-dependent decrease in MCF-7 and T-47D cancer cell viability and the the half maximal inhibitory concentrations were 7.31 ± 0.63 µM and 9.06 ± 0.45 µM, respectively. Treatment with SSD decreased cell proliferation, arrested cell cycle at G1, and induced cell apoptosis. There were 227 potential targets of SSD against breast cancer, among which ESR1 was a hub gene. SSD treatment can reduce the protein levels of estrogen receptor α (ERα), Cyclin D1 (CCND1), and the proto-oncogene c-Myc (c-Myc). CONCLUSION: SSD may have therapeutic potential in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, may through its suppression on ESR1.