Galangin Promotes Apoptosis by Upregulating the Pro-apoptotic Gene BAX in Triple-negative Breast Cancer

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive and formidable subtypes of breast cancer, devoid of targeted therapy and frequently leading to unfavorable prognoses and significant side effects. The demand for creative and effective treatment options has prompted the current study to investigate the potential of natural chemicals as therapeutic agents. This study intends to examine the efficacy of Galangin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, in treating triple-negative breast cancer.

Methods: The research utilizes a dual methodology, combining in silico network pharmacology with in vitro experimental methods. The in silico research proved crucial in finding significant gene targets and cellular signaling pathways influenced by Galangin in triple-negative breast cancer. To corroborate these computational predictions, a variety of in vitro studies were conducted, including the MTT assay, wound scratch assay, apoptosis assay, reactive oxygen species assay, mitochondrial membrane potential assessment, and RT-PCR.

Results: Fifteen prevalent genes were identified, demonstrating involvement in cellular proliferation, apoptosis regulation, cell migration, MAPK cascade regulation, and cell cycle regulation. The predominant genes implicated in the ten principal pathways were MAPK1, MAPK8, MAPK14, and IL6, which were observed to be linked to the MAPK signaling pathway, perhaps serving as the critical channel through which Galangin may facilitate the treatment of oral cancer. In vitro experiments demonstrated anti-proliferative effects, late-stage apoptosis, anti-migratory characteristics, antioxidant activity, and upregulation of the pro-apoptotic BAX gene.

Conclusion: This study's results demonstrate that Galangin possesses considerable anti-proliferative effects on TNBC cells, underscoring its potential as a viable therapeutic drug. These findings facilitate the development of more effective and precisely focused therapy approaches for TNBC, providing optimism for enhanced treatment outcomes for patients suffering from this challenging disease.