EF‐24 inhibits TPA‐induced cellular migration and MMP‐9 expression through the p38 signaling pathway in cervical cancer cells

Diphenyl difluoroketone (EF‐24), a synthetic curcumin analog, has enhanced bioavailability over curcumin. EF‐24 acts more powerful bioactivity for anti‐inflammatory and anti‐cancer activity. However, the effects and mechanism of EF‐24 on cervical cancer has not been fully investigated. Herein, this study evaluated the effects of EF‐24 on TPA‐induced cellular migration of cervical cancer. The results showed that EF‐24 substantially reduced the cellular migration and cellular invasion of the HeLa and SiHa cells. Moreover, gelatin zymography, western blotting analyses and real‐time PCR revealed that EF‐24 suppressed Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) activity, protein expression and mRNA levels. Mechanistically, EF‐24 inhibited the phosphorylation of the p38 signaling pathway. In conclusion, EF‐24 inhibited TPA‐induced cellular migration and cellular invasion of cervical cancer cell lines through modulating MMP‐9 expression via downregulating signaling p38 pathway and EF‐24 may have potential to serve as a chemopreventive agent of cervical cancer.