Antiproliferative and Antimetastatic Effects of Xihuang Pill (XHP) Extract on Breast Cancer Cells: Involvement of EHBP1L1 Gene Regulation

Xihuang Pill (XHP), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, is widely used in China as an adjunctive treatment for various cancers, particularly breast cancer (BC). This study aimed to explore the potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of XHP in BC. BC cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and T-47D) were treated with XHP extract to assess its effects on cellular biological behavior. Gene expression profiles of MDA-MB-231 cells treated with XHP extract were analyzed using gene chip technology. Differentially expressed genes were subsequently subjected to functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis using the IPA and DAVID databases. The results demonstrated that XHP extract inhibited cell proliferation and metastasis, induced apoptosis, and modulated the cell cycle, thereby exhibiting significant anti-cancer effects. Gene expression profiling identified eight significantly down regulated genes following XHP extract treatment, among which EHBP1L1 was identified as one of the most markedly suppressed genes. EHBP1L1 is associated with the proliferation and metastasis of BC cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed the binding of EHBP1L1 with miR-137-3p. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that XHP extract effectively inhibits the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells in vitro, influencing key cellular processes such as the cell cycle and apoptosis. XHP significantly regulated the expression of several genes, including EHBP1L1, SPACA6, and CKAP2L. EHBP1L1 was identified as a critical gene involved in breast cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.