Objective      To investigate the effect of Rhein lysinate (RHL) on the migration of human lung cancer cell line (A549) and the role of miRNA-451 signal pathway in cell migration

and to provide theoretical foundation for clinical trial of RHL against lung cancer.       Methods      A549 cells in logarithm growth phase were selected and randomly divided into various groups: a blank control group and different concentrations of RHL groups. After A549 cells were treated by RHL for 48 h

MTT assay was used to detect A549 cell proliferation. Wound healing and Transwell assay were used to detect the migratory ability of A549 cells. The levels of miRNA-451 and MMP-9 mRNA were detected by real-time PCR. The expression of MMP-9 protein was detected by Western blot.       Results      After A549 cells were treated by RHL for 48 h

cell viability was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Wound healing and Transwell assay results showed that RHL (80 μmol/L) could inhibit the migratory ability of A549 cells. Compared with control group

the levels of miR-451 were increased

while the mRNA levels of MMP-9 were decreased in RHL (≥ 80 μmol/L)-treated groups (

P

0.05). Compared with control group

Western blot results also showed that the expression of MMP-9 protein was decreased in RHL (≥ 80 μmol/L)-treated group (

P

0.05).       Conclusion      RHL can inhibit the migratory ability of A549 cells by inducing the expression of miR-451 and thereby inhibiting the transcription and expression of MMP-9.