Capsaicin inhibits migration and invasion via inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by up-regulation of claudin-3 expression

This study aimed to investigate the effects of capsaicin on invasion and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and the underlining mechanisms. Cldn3 expression was detected in cancerous and adjacent normal esophageal tissues. The association of Cldn3 with clinical data was analyzed. The migration and invasion of ESCC cells was investigated by exposing to capsaicin or with CLDN3 silencing or Cldn3 overexpression. The effects of capsaicin on lung metastasis were evaluated. Cldn3 expression in ESCC was associated with better prognosis. Capsaicin attenuated migration, invasion, and metastasis of ESCC and inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a dose-dependent manner. Cldn3 overexpression, like exposing to capsaicin, inhibited migration, invasion and EMT, and vice versa. CLDN3 silencing attenuated inhibition of migration and invasion and EMT by exposing to capsaicin. In conclusion, Cldn3 showed a better prognosis in ESCC. Capsaicin might inhibit migration and invasion and metastasis of ESCC via overexpression of Cldn3 and inhibiting EMT.