Effect of fibroblast growth factor 21 on migration and invasion of human pancreatic cancer cells in an inflammatory environment

Abstract

Objective To investigate the expression of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in pancreatic cancer and its effect on migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells in an inflammatory environment. Methods FGF21 expression was detected in 60 specimens of pancreatic cancer tissues and 55 normal pancreatic tissues using immunohischemistry. Two human pancreatic cancer cell lines (Capan-1 and AsPC-1) were both divided into control group, FGF21 group, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group and FGF21+LPS group. After corresponding treatment, the cell migration and invasion were evaluated using scratch wound healing assay and Transwell assay. RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to examine the expression levels of IL-6 and MMP-9 mRNA and MMP-9 protein in the cells. Results The expression levels of FGF21 were significantly lower in pancreatic cancer tissues than in normal pancreatic tissues (P < 0.05). Compared with LPS-treated cells, the cells treated with both LPS and FGF21 showed significantly lowered migration and invasion abilities (P < 0.05) and decreased expression levels of IL-6 and MMP-9 mRNA and MMP-9 protein (P < 0.05). Conclusion FGF21 expression is significantly decreased in pancreatic cancer tissues. Intervention with FGF21 can significantly inhibit LPS-induced enhancement of migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells possibly by inhibiting IL-6 and MMP-9 expression.

Keywords

• fibroblast growth factor 21
• pancreatic cancer
• inflammation
• neoplasm invasiveness
• cell migration