Syringic Acid Suppressed Proliferation, Invasion, and Migration via Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinases Expression on Glioblastoma Cells by Promoting Apoptosis

Background Human brain tumor glioblastoma (GBM) is the most hostile malignancy, currently lacking a successful cure and good prognosis. Objective To examine the anticancer effects of syringic acid (SA) on human cancer GBM cells. Methodology The different doses of SA were added to GBM cells to study its effect on viability, invasion, relocation, apoptosis, and mRNA and protein levels. Hence, we explored the anti-proliferative, anti-invasive, and apoptotic activity of SA on GBM human U-251 cells. Results MTT assay and live/dead assay revealed the anti-proliferative activity of SA on U-251 glioma cells. Apoptotic activity of SA was shown by DAPI staining, caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 mRNA expressions. The cell cycle regulation was also confirmed by reducing the mRNA expression of cyclinD1, CDK4, and CDK6. Treatment of SA with U-251 cells suppressed MMPs expressions and enhanced TIMPs protein levels. Conclusion Our findings put forward that SA could prevent GBM cells' invasion and relocation. SA is an ideal neuroprotective agent for controlling brain malignancy.