Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of tribromopyruvic acid (3-BrPA) on the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer MCF-7 cells and the expressions of eukaryotic initiation factor 5A2 (eIF5A2 ), c-myc and metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1). Methods There were 5 experimental groups, namely control group (adding PBS), 75 μmol/L 3-BrPA group, 100 μmol/L 3-BrPA group, 125 μmol/L 3-BrPA group and 150 μmol/L 3-BrPA group. MTT and Transwell assay were used to detect the effect of 3-BrPA on the viability and invasion of MCF-7 cells after treated with 3-BrPA for 24, 48 and 72 h respectively. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the changes of eIF5A2 , c-myc and MTA1 genes and proteins. Results Compared with the control group, the viability of the MCF-7 cells treated with 3-BrPA was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Transwell results showed that the number of MCF-7 cells passing through the wells was significantly reduced after 3-BrPA interaction for 24 h (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. RT-PCR and Western blot showed that the expression levels of eIF5A2 , c-myc and MTA1 genes and proteins decreased with the increase of drug concentration (P < 0.05). Conclusions Tribromopyruvic acid can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer MCF-7 cells. The mechanism may be related to the decrease of eIF5A2 , c-myc and MTA1 gene and protein expressions.