ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the effect of 3-methyladenine (3-MA) on autophagy, migration and invasion of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells under hypoxia. Methods: Different concentrations of 3-MA were used to treat EOC cells in hypoxic environment. The expression of autophagy-associated protein LC3 was detected by Western blotting. The autophagosome formation was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The proliferation, adhesion, migration and invasion of EOC cells were determined by thiazole blue colorimetry, adhesion test, Transwell migration test and Matrigel invasion test, respectively. Results: 3-MA was able to inhibit the increase of LC3- Ⅱ and autophagosome formation induced by hypoxia. In hypoxic environment, the survival rate of EOC cells was significantly decreased by 5.00 mmol/L 3-MA for 24 h (P=0.000). The adhesion ability of EOC cells was significantly decreased by 2.50 mmol/L 3-MA for 6 h (P=0.007). 1.25 mmol/L and 2.50 mmol/L 3-MA could inhibit the migration and invasion of EOC cells in hypoxic environment (P<0.01). Conclusion: 3-MA can inhibit the autophagy, migration and invasion of EOC cells in hypoxic environment.