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 antiproliferative, 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.