Cytotoxic Activity of <i>Thelesperma megapotamicum</i>Organic Fractions against MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cell Line

Thelesperma megapotamicum (Asteraceae) is commonly used in Argentine to treat various diseases (renal, digestive affections, and as anaesthesia). The present study showed the mechanisms involved “in vitro” cytotoxicity of T. megapotamicum Fractions. Five Fractions (F1 - F5) were separated by column chromatography (Silica gel) using hexane:diethyl ether as eluents. Viability was evaluated in Human breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7) by staining with crystal violet. With respect to F1 Fraction treatment, the cell survival was 49.14% ± 8.87%, while the F2 and F3 ones exhibited a strong reduction of cell viability to only 26.35% ± 1.63% and 23.3%1 ± 0.53% of the control cell at 50 μg/ml, respectively. Apoptotic effect of these Fractions was detected using FITC-labeled Annexin V and propidium iodide binding assays and was confirmed by a higher proportion of apoptotic cells due to F2 and F3 treatments. T. megapotamicum active Fractions could facilitate the tumoral cells death by decreasing the activity of the enzyme Gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase and causing alteration in cell membrane sialoglycoconjugates and others involved anticancer mechanisms including apoptosis.

Sensitivity Evaluation of Two Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines to Tamoxifen through Apoptosis Induction

Tamoxifen citrate (TAM) has been used to treat breast cancer in women for many years. The com-parative effects of TAM in inducing apoptosis were evaluated in estrogen receptor-positive (ER- positive MCF-7) and estrogen receptor-negative (ER-negative MDA-MB-231) human breast cancer cell lines in vitro in order to determine if these two cell lines differ in their sensitivity to TAM. Mi-tochondrial membrane permeability potential disruption was assessed in both cell lines by a lip-ophilic cationic dye (DePsipher assay, Trevigen, Inc.) utilizing fluorescence microscopy. Using this specific fluorochrome, we were able to associate mitochondrial membrane disruption to early, mid-, and late apoptotic cells. TAM induced cell death via apoptosis in both ER-positive and ER- negative cells, however, apoptosis induction was more pronounced in ER-positive MCF-7 compared to ER-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. These findings may have some therapeutic use in the treatment of estrogen dependent and estrogen independent breast cancer.

Anticancer property of sediment actinomycetes against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines

ObjectiveTo investigate the anticancer property of marine sediment actinomycetes against two different breast cancer cell lines.MethodsIn vitro anticancer activity was carried out against breast (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) cancer cell lines. Partial sequences of the 16s rRNA gene, phylogenetic tree construction, multiple sequence analysis and secondary structure analysis were also carried out with the actinomycetes isolates.ResultsOf the selected five actinomycete isolates, ACT01 and ACT02 showed the IC50 value with (10.13±0.92) and (22.34±5.82) μg/mL concentrations, respectively for MCF-7 cell line at 48 h, but ACT01 showed the minimum (18.54±2.49 μg/mL) level of IC50 value with MDA-MB-231 cell line. Further, the 16s rRNA partial sequences of ACT01, ACT02, ACT03, ACT04 and ACT05 isolates were also deposited in NCBI data bank with the accession numbers of GQ478246, GQ478247, GQ478248, GQ478249 and GQ478250, respectively. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that, the isolates of ACT02 and ACT03 were represented in group I and III, respectively, but ACT01 and ACT02 were represented in group II. The multiple sequence alignment of the actinomycete isolates showed that, the maximum identical conserved regions were identified with the nucleotide regions of 125 to 221st base pairs, 65 to 119th base pairs and 55, 48 and 31st base pairs. Secondary structure prediction of the 16s rRNA showed that, the maximum free energy was consumed with ACT03 isolate (-45.4 kkal/mol) and the minimum free energy was consumed with ACT04 isolate (?7.6 kkal/mol).ConclusionsThe actinomycete isolates of ACT01 and ACT02 (GQ478246 and GQ478247) which are isolated from sediment sample can be further used as anticancer agents against breast cancer cell lines.

Hesperidin as a preventive resistance agent in MCF-7 breast cancer cells line resistance to doxorubicin

Objective:To evaluate of hesperidin to overcome resistance of doxorubicin in MCF-7 resistant doxorubicin cells(MCF-7/Dox)in cytotoxicity apoptosis and P-glycoprotein(Pgp)expression in combination with doxorubicin.Methods:The cytotoxic properties.50%inhibition concentration(IC_(50))and its combination with doxorubicin in MCF-7 cell lines resistant to doxorubicin(MCF-7/Dox)cells were determined using MTT assay.Apoptosis induction was examined by double staining assay using ethidium bromide-acridine orange.Immunocytochemistry assay was performed to determine the level and localization of Pgp.Results:Single treatment of hesperidin showed cytotoxic activity on MCF-7/Dox cells with IC_(50)value of 11μmol/L.Thus,combination treatment from hesperidin and doxorubicin showed addictive and antagonist effect(CI>1.0).Hesperidin did not increase the apoptotic induction,but decreased the Pgp expressions level when combined with doxorubicin in low concentration.Conclusions:Hesperidin has cytotoxic effect on MCF-7/Dox cells with IC_(50)of 11μmol/L.Hesperidin did not increased the apoptotic induction combined with doxorubicin.Cochemotherapy application of doxorubicin and hesperidin on MCF-7/Dox cells showed synergism effect through inhibition of Pgp expression.

Triple Effect of Doxorubicin, 5-Fluorouracil, Propranolol on Cell Survival on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line

Purpose: Investigating the triple effect of doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, propranolol on MCF-7 (ER+, WTp53) breast cancer cell line with MTT test and survival analysis. Materials/Methods: In order to determine effective dosages of a combination of doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, propranolol on the MCF-7 cell line by using MTT and survival analysis technique. Result: IC50 values acquired by MTT tests are 0.01 mg/ml for doxorubicin, 6 mg/ml for 5-fluorouracil, 30 mg/ml for propranolol and 0.2/1/30 mg/ml (with previous respect) if all three agents are combined. It is found that the use of doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, and propranolol in combination is much effective than their single application. Discussion: Moderate concentrations of doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, and propranolol, if they are applied individually, showed high toxicity. When we used these drugs in combination;toxic effects lessened with respect to monotherapy. In the MCF-7 cell line, doxorubicin (IC50: 0.01 μM) increases cell death rates significantly and propranolol (IC50: 3 μM) has minimum effects in monotherapy in contrast to others. Propranolol is only superior to itself in combination therapy (IC50: 4 μM). However 5-fluorouracil (IC50: 30 μM) showed antagonistic effects with respect to other drugs. Additionally, having applied the three drugs in combination on the MCF-7 cell line for the first time in literature, it is highly possible to assess the application of doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil and propranolol combination as a novel therapy option.

Cytotoxicity study of ethanol extract of the stem bark of asam kandis (Garcinia cowa Roxb.) on T47D breast cancer cell line

Objective:To investigate the cytotoxic effect of ethanol extract of the stem bark of asam kandis[Garcinia cowa Roxb.(G.cowa)]on T47 D breast cancer cell line.Methods:The cytotoxicity of ethanol extract was carried out against human breast cancer cell line(T47D) by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay.The extract was added at various concentrations(0.1.1,10 and 100 μg/mL).The level of cytotoxicity was determined by calculating the level of IC_(50),that was based on the percentage of the cell death after 24 h treatment with the extract.Cell morphological changes were observed by using inverted microscope.Results:The 3-(4.5-dimelhylthiazol-2-yl)-2.5-diphenyltelrazolium bromide assay showed that ethanol extract of G.cowa exhibited significant cytotoxic effect on T47 D with IC_(50) value of(5.10+1.68) μg/mL.Morphological alteration of the cell lines after exposure to ethanol extract of G.cowa was observed under phase contrast microscope in a dosc-dependent manner.ConclusionsThe results suggest the possible use of ethanol extract of asam kandis for preparing herbal medicine for cancer-related ailments.

Study on Cisplatin Aggravating DNA Damage and Causing a High Apoptosis Rate on Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells

[Objectives] To investigate the mechanism of DNA damage of cisplatin( DDP),a broad spectrum anticancer drug on breast cancer MCF-7 cells,and to study the mechanism of apoptosis induced by DDP.[Methods]MCF-7 cells were treated by DDP( 0 mg/L,2 mg/L,4 mg/L,6 mg/L,6 mg/L,and 10 mg/L) for 48 hours. MTT assay was used to detect the inhibitory effect of DDP on MCF-7 cells and IC50 value was calculated. Western blot was adopted to detect the expression of γ-H2 AX,which was the marker of DNA double stranded breaks( DSBs) and ATM( sensory molecules of DSBs),the apoptotic signal transduction molecule cleaved caspase-3,and the proteins associated with apoptosis calpain.[Results]DDP inhibited MCF-7 cell activity in a concentration-dependent manner and IC50 was 7. 57 mg/L. In contrast to the control group( without DDP treatment),MCF-7 cells with DDP treatment expressed more γ-H2 AX,ATM,cleaved caspase-3 and calpain.[Conclusions] DDP could inhibit the activity of breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Its mechanisms may be associated with inhibition of MCF-7 cell apoptosis,induction of DNA double strand breaking and the expression of pro-apoptotic protein up-regulation.

Investigation of Methylation Profiles of TP53, Caspase 9, Caspase 8, Caspase 3 Genes Treated with DNA Methyl Transferase Inhibitor (DNMTi) Zebularine (ZEB) and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Purpose: MCF-7 (ER+, WTP53) and MDA-MB-231 (ER Met, Mutant P53) Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) and DNA Methyl Transferase Inhibitor (DNMTi) in breast cancer cell lines of Zebularine (ZEB) single and combined application of TP53, caspase-9, caspase 8 and caspase-3 genes as a result of the use of single and combined drug methylation profiles are aimed to be evaluated by specific PCR method. Material-Metods: In the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, MTT test and survival analysis were performed as a result of single and combined application of CAPE and Zebularine and Methylation Specific PCR was performed to examine the methylation of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9 and TP53 genes. Results: According to the results of 24-hour drug administration, the IC50 for the MCF-7 cell line was determined as 200 μM, for CAPE 40 μM and for the combined values of 50 μM ZEB + 5 μM CAPE. The effects of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9 and TP53 genes on the methylation level of ZEB, CAPE and ZEB + CAPE drug combination were determined by using bisulfite modified DNAs in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Discussion: In the MCF-7 cell line, the 120 μM ZEB viability rate was 51%, and the viability of 80 μM ZEB MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells decreased by 59.7%. After 20 μM CAPE, viability in MCF-7 cells decreased by 31% in 120 μM CAPE and MDA-MB-231 cells decreased by 41%. The viability with 40 μM CAPE decreased by 19% in MDA-MB-231 cells. It was found that 20 μM CAPE concentration was associated with TP53 methylation in MCF-7 cell lines. The 80 μM ZEB concentration was found to be closely related to the unmethylated status of the TP53 gene. These results obtained with 50 μM ZEB + 5 μM CAPE application were found to be related to the methylated-unmetylated status of the TP53 gene in half (50%). For the caspase-9 gene of MDA-MB-231 cells, 80 μM ZEB concentration was found to be associated with unmetylated status. The effective use of drugs with low concentrations of the drug dose provides a more appropriate approach in terms of treatment.

A Variant of Human Estrogen Receptor-α,hER-α36 Weakens Docetaxel Drug Efficacy against Human Breast Cancer Cell Line MCF-7

Objective： hER-α36 is a variant of estrogen receptor-a, identified and cloned by a team of American. This research is to determine whether hER-α36 can enhance or weaken chemosensitivity to docetaxel in breast cancer cell line MCF-7（ERα66 positive）. Methods： RT-PCR was used to detect the expressions of ERα66 and ERa36 in the two human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7（MCF-7/ERα66） and MCF-7 transfected with ERa36（MCF-7/ERα36）. The two cell lines were treated with docetaxel（0-100umol/L）, and cell growth and apoptosis were evaluated using MTT （3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl）-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide） assay （using adriamycin （0-50umol/L） as the control） and flowcytometry. Western blot analysis was used to measure the effect of docetaxel on phosphor-ERKl/2 expression in the two cell lines. Results： The expressions of ERct36 and ERα66 were detectable in both MCF-7/ERα66 and MCF-7/ERα36 cell lines, while the expression of ERα36 in MCF-7/ER36 cells was higher. Both docetaxel and adriamycin inhibited the proliferation of both cells lines in a dose and time dependent manner. In comparison with MCF-7/ERα36 cell line, the MCF-7/ERα66 cells produced greater growth inhibition and apoptosis after treatment with docetaxel, but there was no significant difference in growth inhibition between the two cell lines treated with adriamycin; The MCF-7/ERα36 cell line resulted in a significant activation （phosphorylation） of ERK1/2 after treatment with docetaxel in a dose-dependent manner, but in the MCF-7/ERα66 cell line , a decrease in the level of phosphor- ERK1/2 expression was observed as the dose of docetaxel increased. Conclusion： ERa36 may be an agent that weakens chemosensitivity to docetaxel in breast cancer, probably by activating the expression of ERKI/2.

细胞代谢组学用于羽扇豆醇干预人乳腺癌细胞MCF-7的机理探究

应用基于气相色谱-质谱联用(GC-MS)的代谢组学方法结合细胞周期实验,研究羽扇豆醇体外抑制人乳腺癌细胞MCF-7增殖的作用机理。代谢组学的研究结果表明:通过正交偏最小方差判别分析(OPLS-DA)可以很好地区分羽扇豆醇作用的MCF-7细胞代谢谱与对照组细胞代谢谱,模型参数为:R2 Ycum=0.988,Q2 Ycum=0.964。VIP(variable importance in the projection)值大于1的差异代谢物进一步用t检验进行单位分析,选择t<0.05(VIP>1)的代谢物作为羽扇豆醇作用组的生物标志物,得到琥珀酸、磷酸、亮氨酸、异亮氨酸等11种代谢差异物。结合羽扇豆醇将细胞周期抑制在G1期这一现象,推测羽扇豆醇可能是主要抑制了三羧酸循环中的琥珀酰辅酶A的生成和底物磷酸化生成ATP的反应来抑制MCF-7细胞的增殖。本实验从代谢组学角度为乳腺癌抗肿瘤机制提供新的线索。

The Evaluation of the Effects of Temozolomide on MGMT Gene Expression in MCF-7 and SKBR3 Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Background and Aim: In this study, it was aimed to examine the cytotoxic effect of temozolomide (TMZ) treatment, on MCF-7 and SKBR3 cell lines, to study the methylation levels of MGMT gene expression and gene promoter region. Methods: The MTT test was performed to determine the effective dose of TMZ. The time-dependent cell survival test was performed after the IC50 value was found. Western blotting was performed to determine MGMT gene expression levels. High Resolution Melting (HRM) technique was used to determine the methylation levels of MGMT gene promoter region. Results: TMZ has been shown to have a high cytotoxic effect on SKBR3 cell line and low cytotoxicity on MCF-7. When MGMT expression levels before and after TMZ treatment were observed by western blotting, the gene expression levels of TMZ treatment were shown to decrease in both cell lines. It was observed that MGMT gene promoter region was hypermethylated in two cell lines, and that the application of TMZ further increased the methylation levels in the promoter region. Conclusions: It was seen that TMZ could be used as a single agent in SKBR-3 cell line. With this study on breast cancer, it is expected that temozolomide treatment will lead future in vitro and in vivo studies for breast cancer.

Soy isoflavone extracts stimulate the growth of nude mouse xenografts bearing estrogen-dependent human breast cancer cells(MCF-7)

We explored the effects of different lifetime exposures to soy isoflavone extracts on the growth of estrogen- dependent human breast cancer cells （MCF-7） implanted into athymic mice of different ovarian statuses. The athymic mice, ovariectomized or not, were implanted with MCF-7 cells. Mice were fed with low, moderate and high doses of soy isoflavone extract, at dietary concentrations of 6.25, 12.5 and 25 g/kg, in different reproductive models, respectively. The expression of ki-67 was detected by immunohistochemistry, pS2 expression in tumors was analyzed by real-time PCR. Estrogen level in the serum was measured by chemiluminescence enzyme im- munoassay. Total genistein and daidzein levels in serum and urine were determined by liquid chromatography- electrospray tandem mass spectrometry （LC-ES/MS/MS）. In Group A, on week 4, nude mice were exposed to different doses of soy iosflavone extracts. In Group B, the experimental diets were given to the nude mice follow- ing ovariectomy and tumor implantation. In both groups, 6.25 and 12.5 g/kg soy isoflavone extracts stimulated the growth of MCF-7 xenografts, increased pS2 expression, proliferation and estrogen level in serum. In both Group B （postmenopausal mouse model） and Group C （premenopausal mouse model）, soy isoflavone extracts at doses of 6.25 and 12.5 g/kg showed stimulatory effects on the growth of MCF-7 tumors. In conclusion, administration of soy isoflavone extracts at doses of 6.25 and 12.5 g/kg during adolescence or later in life stimulated tumor growth in both menopausal and postmenopausal mouse models.

Inhibitory effect of gold nanoparticles conjugated with interferon gamma and methionine on breast cancer cell line

Objective: To develop a gold nanoparticles complex conjugated with interferon-gamma(IFN-g) and methionine along with application of hyperthermia using near-infrared laser beams for the treatment of cancer cells.Methods: Gold nanorods(10 nm) were conjugated with IFN-g and methionine using carbodiimide family and characterized after purification by dialysis bags. Breast cancer cells were cultured and incubated with gold nanorods at different concentrations followed by irradiation with near-infrared laser beam. Samples were then evaluated for their viability in order to determine the effect of treatment and variables by MTT assy.Results: Zetasizer results confirmed the conjugation of gold nanorods with methionine and IFN-g. The median percentage of cell viability in 0.30 mg/m L concentration of gold nanorods was 82%. The cell viability reached to 85% at the same concentration of gold nanorods, which existed in the assayed complex. The results of MTT assay showed that the 0.60 mg/m L concentration of gold nanoparticles complex was toxic on tumor cells(P < 0.05). After exposure to hyperthermia, the viability of cells at 6 min decreased to77% in 0.30 mg/m L concentration of gold nanorods complex.Conclusions: The size and concentration of gold nanorods was not cytotoxic. However,their presence during irradiation near-infrared laser increased the number of dead cells during the treatment of cells.

Sonic Hedgehog stimulates migration of MCF-7 breast cancer cells through Rac1

As one of the most common tumors in women, breast cancer has drawn considerable interest from investigators and clinicians in recent years. Despite early diagnosis and best therapeutic regimens available, the prognosis of malignant or metastatic breast cancer patients is still not optimistic. Hedgehog signaling, a classical pathway indispensable to embryonic development, participates in the growth of a variety of tumors. In the present study,the effect of Sonic Hedgehog(Shh) on breast cancer cells was investigated. We identified that Shh signal stimulated the migration of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Smo and Gli1 were involved in Shh-stimulated migration of MCF-7 cells. Activating Smo and Gli1 induced cell migration, which was blocked by their specific antagonists.The effect of Shh signaling on MCF-7 cells was independent of Wnt5 a, Dvl2 and Rab35, but directly dependent on Rac1. In conclusion, our study suggested that Shh promotes breast cancer cell migration via Rac1 independently of the non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway, which may represent a rational molecular target for combination medication in breast cancer.

Dietary Daidzein Enhances Antiapoptotic Effect of 17β-Estradiol (E_2) on Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells

Objective： To investigate whether dietary daidzein interact with endogenous 17β-Estradiol （E2） to give rise to additive or inhibitory effects on proliferation and apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Methods： Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis induction were analyzed by using flow cytometry when breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 were cotreated with daidzein （1, 5 μmol/L） and E2 （0.1-10 nmol/L） for 5 days. Whether daidzein could alter E2-modulated mRNA expression of estrogen receptor alpha （ERα）, estrogen receptor beta （ERI3） and ERβ-estrogen response element （ERE） dependent transcription was investigated by RT-PCR and luciferase induction assays. The effects of daidzein on E2-modulated expression of proapoptotic p53, bax and antiapoptotic bcl-2 at both mRNA and protein levels were also investigated by RT-PCR and Western blot. Results： Daidzein enhanced the antiapoptotic effect in an Ea dose-dependent manner, but had no effect on E2-induced proliferation. Daidzein antagonized E2-induced ERβ mRNA expression and ERβ-ERE dependent transcription. In addition, daidzein only antagonized E2-upregulated expression of p53 and bax, but had no effect on E2-upregulated expression of bcl-2. Conclusion： Daidzein enhances the antiapoptotic effect of E2 on breast cancer cells by inhibiting E2-mediated p53-bax proapoptotic pathway. These results suggest that dietary daidzein may enhance deleterious effect of endogenous E2 in hormone-dependent breast cancer.

Inhibition of cell proliferation by siRNA targeting hPRLR in breast cancer MCF-7 cell line

Objective： To study the inhibition of proliferation of breast cancer by small interfering RNA（siRNA） targeting human prolactin （hPRLR） and the underlying mechanisms. Methods：The siRNA targeting hPRLR was chemically synthesized and transfected into MCF-7 cells, the expression of hPRLR was analyzed by real-time quantitive PCR, cell growth inhibition was measured with MTT assay, cell cycle of the transfected cells was examined by flow cytometry, meanwhile, expression of cyclin D1 was tested by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, Results：24 h after transfection with 100 nmol/L siRNA-PRLR, the expression of hPRLR mRNA was suppressed by 65%, cells in G1 phase increased, but cells in S phase decreased. Down regulated hPRLR expression exhibited significant inhibition in cell proliferation. And the expression of cyclin D 1 was down regulated. Conclusion：The results indicate that siRNA-hPRLR is a useful tool for silencing hPRLR expression and inhibiting cell proliferation in breast cancer MCF-7 cell line, and it may be a possible new approach for breast cancer gene therapy.

Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cell Spheroid Culture for Drug Discovery and Development

In vitro 3D cancer spheroids (tumoroids) exhibit a drug resistance profile similar to that found in solid tumors. 3D spheroid culture methods recreate more physiologically relevant microenvironments for cells. Therefore, these models are more appropriate for cancer drug screening. We have recently developed a protocol for MCF-7 cell spheroid culture, and used this method to test the effects of different types of drugs on this estrogen-dependent breast cancer cell spheroid. Our results demonstrated that MCF-7 cells can grow spheroid in medium using a low attachment plate. We managed to grow one spheroid in each well, and the spheroid can grow over a month, the size of the spheroid can grow over a hundred times in volume. Our targeted drug experimental results suggest that estrogen sulfotransferase, steroid sulfatase, and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor may play critical roles in MCF-7 cell spheroid growth, while estrogen receptors α and β may not play an essential role in MCF-7 spheroid growth. Organoids are the miniatures of in vivo tissues and reiterate the in vivo microenvironment of a specific organ, best fit for the in vitro studies of diseases and drug development. Tumoroid, developed from cancer cell lines or patients’ tumor tissue, is the best in vitro model of in vivo tumors. 3D spheroid technology will be the best future method for drug development of cancers and other diseases. Our reported method can be developed clinically to develop personalized drugs when the patient’s tumor tissues are used to develop a spheroid culture for drug screening.

Studies on mechanism of cis9,trans11-CLA and trans10,cis12-CLA inducing apoptosis of human breast cancer cell line MCF-7

Objective： The aim of the study was to explore the activities of cis9, trans11-CLA （C9, t11-CLA） and transl0, cis12-CLA （t10, c12-CLA） inhibiting tumor, and investigate their relationships with PPARy and apoptotic proteins, and mechanism of anti-cancer. Methods： The inhibitory rate, cell growth curve and apoptotic morphological observation of MCF-7 cells were obtained by MTT assay, trypan blue staining and Hoechst33342 fluorescence staining. The apoptotic rate and cell cycle were detected with flow cytometry. Transcriptional level of genes was detected with RT-PCR semi-quantitative method, and Western blot was performed to detect proteins levels. Results： The two CLA isomers could reduce cell proliferation （P 〈 0.05）, increase apoptotic rate （P 〈 0.05）, and increase obviously the transcriptional and protein levels of PPARy （P 〈 0.01）. The synchronism and correlation between the effects of CLA to PPARy and apoptotic proteins Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase 3 changes were found with the dose- and time-dependent manners. There was cooperative relation between the levels of PPARy and the rates of Bax/Bcl-2, Caspase 3 （small fragment） by experiments of PPARy inhibitor GW9662 and ligand Rosiglitazone. Conclusion： The apoptotic pathway of PPARy-Bcl-2-Caspase 3 signaling was found. The C9, t11-CLA and tl0, c12-CLA could inhibit MCF-7 cell proliferation and promote apoptosis via activating PPARy-Bcl-2-Caspase 3 pathway. CLA may be a kind of activator of PPARv.

Doxorubicin Induces Apoptosis through down Regulation of miR-21 Expression and Increases miR-21 Target Gene Expression in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

miRNAs play an important regulatory role in variety of cellular functions and several diseases, including cancer. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is overexpressed in almost all types of human cancers. Studies revealed that the knockdown of miR-21 results in reduced tumor cell growth, cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. In this study, we evaluated the effect of doxorubicin on miR-21 expression in mcf-7 breast cancer cells. miRNA was extracted from mcf-7 cells treated with doxorubicin and untreated cells using miRNeasy Kit (Qiagen) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. cDNA synthesis was performed using miScript II RT Kit (Qiagen) and Real Time-PCR was performed using Real Q Plus 2x Master Mix Green-(Ampliqon, Denmark). The relative expression of miR-16 and miR-21 was calculated using comparative Ct method. All tests were run in triplicate to minimize the experimental errors. Samples with a Ct > 37 were excluded from the analysis. Statistically, a significant decrease in cell proliferation of mcf-7 cells was found in doxorubicin group compared with control groups 24 hours after transfection, dose dependently (p value< 0.001). After 24 hours, Doxorubicin (100 μm) significantly decreased miR-21 expression in mcf-7 cells (p = 0.0001). Also, the expression of caspase 9 significantly increased after Doxorubicin (100 μm) treatment (p = 0.0003). Together, these findings indicate that miR-21 plays a key role in regulating cell apoptosis in mcf-7 cells and may serve as a target for effective therapies.

Study on regulating mechanisms of oxocrebanine obtained from Stephania hainanensis H.S.Lo et Y.Tsoong on microtubule sites and tubulin in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells

Objective:To determine the destructive ability of oxocrebanine,an anti-breast cancer active compound obtained from Stephania hainanensis H.S.Lo et Y.Tsoong,on microtubule network,and investigate the effect of oxocrebanine on microtubule network homeostasis at both molecular and cellular levels.Methods:the EBI site competition method and molecular docking method were used to determine the occupation of the microtubule site of oxocrebanine.Western Blot was used to detect the effect of oxocrebanine on microtubule-associated proteins including STAT3,PAK1,CAMK4,and PKA.Results:The results of EBI site competition assay showed that the binding of EBI toβ-Tubulin covalent fusions produced adducts that appeared in regions of lower molecular weight thanβ-tubulin(ctrl 2).Molecular docking results showed that oxocrebanine could occupy the colchicine site of microtubule proteins.As revealed by Western Blot,the expression of STAT3 protein was decreased after MCF-7 cells have been treated with low,medium,and high concentration of oxocrebanine or the positive drug taxol for 48 h(P<0.01).The expression levels of PAK1 and Camk4 proteins aslo showed significant reductions(P<0.05,or P<0.01).Oxocrebanine also decreased the PKA protein in MCF-7 cells compared to the control group(P<0.01).Conclusions:Oxocrebanine,a ligand that binds at the colchicine site of tubulin,perturbs tubulin polymerization and causes mitosis in MCF-7 cells,thus leading to MCF-7 cell death.Oxocrebanine may promote microtubule dynamics through stathmin by inhibiting the expression levels of STAT3,PAK1,Camk4,and PKA proteins in MCF-7 cells.Oxocrebanine interfers with spindle formation,and ultimately causes mitotic catastrophe in MCF-7 cells.