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Analytical Chemistry Oct 2022The development of new models that closely mimic the tumor microenvironment (TME) to evaluate the efficacy of anticancer drugs has received great attention. In this...
The development of new models that closely mimic the tumor microenvironment (TME) to evaluate the efficacy of anticancer drugs has received great attention. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cancer spheroid-embedded hydrogel model was suggested for integrative determination of the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC) values of photosensitizers (PSs). The MCF-7 cell-laden alginate/gelatin hydrogel was printed for the fabrication of tumor spheroids. The hydrogel was used to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding the cancer cells in the TME. The fluorescence intensities corresponding to photodynamic therapy (PDT)-induced death of tumor spheroids probed by the laser showed a random distribution in the hydrogel, regardless of the focus of the laser and the vertical-axis direction in which the laser was passed. These results enabled integrative measurement of all tumor spheroids probed by the laser without needing to separate the tumor spheroids in the hydrogel and measure them individually. When compared with two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures, very large IC values of the PSs, chlorin e6 (Ce6) and sulfonated tetraphenyl porphyrin (sTPP), were achieved in MCF-7 spheroid-embedded hydrogels mainly due to the drug resistance of the tumor spheroids. Additionally, the heterogenic PDT response of single MCF-7 cancer cells in a single tumor spheroid was observed through 3D imaging of irregular apoptosis in a single spheroid since single tumor spheroids showed a heterogenic PDT response. Furthermore, the laser-power-dependent IC values of PSs were obtained using the MCF-7 spheroid-embedded hydrogel model.
Topics: Alginates; Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Death; Gelatin; Humans; Hydrogels; MCF-7 Cells; Michigan; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Porphyrins; Spheroids, Cellular; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 36167500
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c03022 -
Scientific Reports May 2023Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in women worldwide. Magnetic fields have shown anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo as a non-invasive...
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in women worldwide. Magnetic fields have shown anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo as a non-invasive therapy method that can affect cellular metabolism remotely. Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most commonly used drugs for treating breast cancer patients. It can be assumed that combining chemotherapy and magnetotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for breast cancer. This study aimed to investigate the potential cytotoxic effect of DOX at low concentrations in combination with extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF; 50 Hz; 20 mT). The breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was examined for oxidative stress, cell cycle, and apoptosis. MCF-7 cells were treated with various concentrations of DOX as an apoptosis-inducing agent and ELF-EMF. Cytotoxicity was examined using the MTT colorimetric assay at 12, 24, and 48 h. Consequently, concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity was observed in MCF-7 cells for DOX within 24 h. The MTT assay results used showed that a 2 μM concentration of DOX reduced cell viability to 50% compared with control, and as well, the combination of ELF-EMF and DOX reduced cell viability to 50% compared with control at > 0.25 μM doses for 24 h. In MCF-7 cells, combining 0.25 μM DOX with ELF-EMF resulted in increased ROS levels and DOX-induced apoptosis. Flow cytometry analysis, on the other hand, revealed enhanced arrest of MCF-7 cells in the G0-G1 phase of the cell cycle, as well as inducing apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 cells, implying that the synergistic effects of 0.25 μM DOX and ELF-EMF may represent a novel and effective agent against breast cancer.
Topics: Humans; Female; MCF-7 Cells; Electromagnetic Fields; Doxorubicin; Antineoplastic Agents; Breast Neoplasms; Apoptosis
PubMed: 37258563
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35767-4 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jun 2021Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) with estrogenic or estrogenic-like activity have been increasingly detected in aquatic environments and have been an issue of...
Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) with estrogenic or estrogenic-like activity have been increasingly detected in aquatic environments and have been an issue of global concern due to their potential negative effects on wildlife and human health. This study used the MCF-7 cell proliferation assay (E-Screen) to assess the estrogenic activity profiles in Maryland Coastal Bays (MCBs), a eutrophic system of estuaries impacted by human activities. Estrogenic activity was observed in all study sites tested. Water samples from MCBs increased MCF-7 cell proliferation above the negative control from 2.1-fold at site 8, located in Sinepuxent Bay close to the Ocean City Inlet, to 6.3-fold at site 6, located in Newport Bay. The proliferative effects of the sediment samples over the negative control ranged from 1.9-fold at the Assateague Island National Seashore site to 7.7-fold at the Public Landing site. Moreover, elevated cell proliferation ( < 0.05) was observed when cells were co-exposed with 17ß-Estradiol (E2), while reduction in cell proliferation was observed when cells were co-exposed with the antagonist ICI 182, 780 suggesting that cell proliferative effects were primarily mediated by the estrogen receptor (ER). These results suggest the occurrence of some estrogenic or hormonal-like compounds in the MCBs and are consistent with our previous findings based on vitellogenin analyses.
Topics: Bays; Cell Proliferation; Estrogens; Humans; MCF-7 Cells; Maryland
PubMed: 34207818
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126254 -
Archives of Razi Institute 2021Conventional cancer treatments are costly and have different serious side effects for patients. Natural herbal treatments are widely accepted among people because of...
Conventional cancer treatments are costly and have different serious side effects for patients. Natural herbal treatments are widely accepted among people because of their minimal side effects, although there is little scientific knowledge about them. One of these remedies utilizes the root of that has been used for years in Iran to treat different chronic genital diseases. The current study examined the effects of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of (induction of necrosis and apoptosis) on breast cancer (MCF-7), ovarian cancer (A2780), and human cervix cancer (HeLa) cell lines in comparison with normal breast cells. These effects were determined to be morphological alterations in cell light microscopy, by flow cytometry (staining with annexin V and propidium iodide), and by measuring live cells and inhibition concentrations by MTT assay. IC50 of on the MCF-7 cell line (methanolic extract) was 400 µg/ml and for A2780 was 250 µg/ml. The IC50 amount of on the MCF-7 cell line (ethanolic extract) was 750 µg/ml and 1500 for A2780. Results demonstrated that apoptosis and necrosis occurred in MCF-7 and A2780 following the addition of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of to the medium. These findings confirmed the anti-cancer effects of mehthanolic extracts of root and its safety for normal cells; thus, it can be applied in cancer therapy as a novel medication.
Topics: Cell Line, Tumor; Female; HeLa Cells; Humans; MCF-7 Cells; Ovarian Neoplasms; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 34824753
DOI: 10.22092/ari.2020.351952.1545 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Sep 2022Viscum cruciatum Sieb is a well-known medicinal plant in Jordan containing various secondary metabolites. It has traditionally been used to treat many ailments, most...
LC/MS analysis of Viscum cruciatum Sieber ex Boiss. extract with anti-proliferative activity against MCF-7 cell line via G0/G1 cell cycle arrest: An in-silico and in-vitro study.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Viscum cruciatum Sieb is a well-known medicinal plant in Jordan containing various secondary metabolites. It has traditionally been used to treat many ailments, most notably cancer. However, there is a significant gap between scientific research and its value in traditional medicine.
AIM OF THE WORK
To evaluate the antiproliferative activity of different V. cruciatum extracts against MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and recognize the affected cell cycle phase. Besides, identifying the bioactive components present in the active extract using LC/MS technique. Also, to determine the possible mechanism of action by in silico and in-vitro study.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
V. cruciatum was extracted using solvents with increasing polarity. The antiproliferative effects of the extracts against MCF-7 cell lines were evaluated using SRB assay. Further, flow cytometry was used to identify the inhibited phase of the cell cycle, while LC/MS-MS technique was used to analyze the chemical composition of the most active extract. After that, the putative mechanism of action was investigated through in-silico docking, molecular dynamic simulation for compounds with the highest docking scores, and Western blot analysis of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK2/4/6).
RESULTS
The chloroform/methanol 90/10 (ChMe) extract showed the most potent antiproliferative effect against MCF-7 cells (IC = 23.8 μg/mL), and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1phase. Furthermore, LC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of several polyphenolics belonging to the flavonoids and phenolic acids classes. Additionally, quercetin-4'-glucoside, 3, 5, 7-trihydroxy-4'-methoxy flavone, and hesperetin-7-O-neohesperidoside demonstrated the highest docking binding scores and stable complexes against CDK2 and CDK4/6. Moreover, RMSD (root-mean-square deviation), RMSF (root-mean-square fluctuation), Rg (radius of gyration), and energy analysis during molecular dynamic simulation indicated the stable binding of the studied complexes. These results were supported by Western blot analysis, which revealed the downregulation of CDK2, CDK4, and CDK6 protein expression in MCF-7 cell lines.
CONCLUSION
These findings emphasized the potential breast anticancer activity of the V. cruciatum ChMe extract by arresting the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, which could be related to its flavonoid content. Moreover, the results provided experimental support for the traditional anticancer activity of V. cruciatum, and its ChMe extract might be a source of chemoprotective or chemotherapeutic isolates.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Cell Cycle; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Chromatography, Liquid; Flavonoids; G1 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints; Humans; MCF-7 Cells; Plant Extracts; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Viscum
PubMed: 35667581
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115439 -
Metabolomics : Official Journal of the... Jan 2021Metabolic reprogramming within cancer cells has been recognized as a potential barrier to chemotherapy. Additionally, metabolic tumor heterogeneity is the one of factors...
BACKGROUND
Metabolic reprogramming within cancer cells has been recognized as a potential barrier to chemotherapy. Additionally, metabolic tumor heterogeneity is the one of factors behind discernible hallmarks such as drug resistance, relapse of the tumor and the formation of secondary tumors.
METHODS
In this paper, cell-based assays including PI/annexin V staining and immunoblot assay were performed to show the apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 cells treated with DOX. Further, MCF-7 cells were lysed in a hypotonic buffer and the whole cell lysate was purified by a novel and specifically designed metabolite (~ 100 to 1000 Da) fractionation system called vertical tube gel electrophoresis (VTGE). Further, purified intracellular metabolites were subjected to identification by LC-HRMS technique.
RESULTS
Cleaved PARP 1 in MCF-7 cells treated with DOX was observed in the present study. Concomitantly, data showed the absence of active caspase 3 in MCF-7 cells. Novel findings are to identify key intracellular metabolites assisted by VTGE system that include lipid (CDP-DG, phytosphingosine, dodecanamide), non-lipid (N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, N1-acetylspermidine and gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteine) and tripeptide metabolites in MCF-7 cells treated by DOX. Interestingly, we reported the first evidence of doxorubicinone, an aglycone form of DOX in MCF-7 cells that are potentially linked to the mechanism of cell death in MCF-7 cells.
CONCLUSION
This paper reported novel methods and processes that involve VTGE system based purification of hypotonically lysed novel intracellular metabolites of MCF-7 cells treated by DOX. Here, these identified intracellular metabolites corroborate to caspase 3 independent and mitochondria induced apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 cells. Finally, these findings validate a proof of concept on the applications of novel VTGE assisted purification and analysis of intracellular metabolites from various cell culture models.
Topics: Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Apoptosis; Cell Death; Cell Line, Tumor; Chromatography, Liquid; Doxorubicin; Humans; MCF-7 Cells; Mass Spectrometry; Metabolome; Metabolomics; Mitochondria
PubMed: 33389242
DOI: 10.1007/s11306-020-01755-2 -
Scientific Reports Aug 2023The implication of inflammation in the pathophysiology of several types of cancers has been under intense investigation. Conjugated fatty acids can modulate inflammation...
The implication of inflammation in the pathophysiology of several types of cancers has been under intense investigation. Conjugated fatty acids can modulate inflammation and present anticancer effects, promoting cancer cell death. In this paper, we evaluated the efficacy of new conjugated fatty acids isolated from marine Opisthopterus tardoore (Tapra fish) in human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7. Linoelaidic acid, a marine fish (O. tardoore) derived unsaturated fatty acids, showed effective anticancer activity against MCF-7. Cell viability (MTT) assay revealed a dose-dependent decline in cancer cell viability. It was noteworthy that 5 µM linoelaidic acid decreased the MCF-7 cell viability by 81.82%. Besides that, linoelaidic acid significantly (P< 0.05) increased the level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) studied by ELISA. Not only that, linoelaidic acid significantly decreased the reduced glutathione level and increased the oxidized glutathione level in MCF-7 cells indicating the oxidative stress inside the cell. Two different cell staining methods with acridine orange-ethidium bromide and DAPI confirmed that the linoelaidic acid rendered their detrimental effect on cancer cells. To decipher the mode of apoptosis Western blotting was performed in which the expression pattern of several proteins (p53, IL-10, and IL-1ra) established the apoptosis in the studied cell lines after linoelaidic acid exposure. Hence it may be conferred that linoelaidic acid has prompt anticancer activity. Therefore this drug can be used further for the treatment of cancer.
Topics: Humans; Linoleic Acid; MCF-7 Cells; Reactive Oxygen Species; Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; Cell Death; Fatty Acids; Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; Caspases
PubMed: 37644076
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34885-3 -
Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao = Journal... Jun 2022To explore the effects of isobavachalcone (IBC) on cell death of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and explore the possible mechanism.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the effects of isobavachalcone (IBC) on cell death of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and explore the possible mechanism.
METHODS
MCF-7 cells were treated with different concentrations of IBC, and the changes in cell proliferation were assessed using MTT assay. Apoptosis of MCF-7 cells following treatment with 10, 20, and 40 μmol/L IBC was analyzed using flow cytometry with annexin V-FITC/PI double staining and fluorescence microscopy, and the expressions of apoptosis- and autophagy-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, Akt, p-Akt, p62, and LC3) were detected with Western blotting. Electron microscopy was used to observe the changes in submicrostructure of the cells following treatment with 40 μmol/L IBC. JC-1 assay kit, ATP assay kit, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) kit were used to determine the effect of IBC on mitochondrial function of the cells.
RESULTS
MTT assay showed that IBC significantly inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, with IC values of 38.46, 31.31, and 28.26 μmol/L at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. IBC also concentration-dependently induced apoptosis of MCF-7 cells. IBC-induced cell death was inhibited by z-VAD-fmk, a caspase inhibitor ( < 0.05), but not by the necroptosis inhibitor necrostatin-1 (Nec-1). Western blotting showed that IBC-induced MCF-7 cell apoptosis by increasing Bax expression and down-regulating the expressions of Bcl-2, Akt and p-Akt-473 (all < 0.05). With the increase of IBC concentration, the expression of autophagy-related protein p62 and the LC3-II/I ratio increased progressively. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of autophagic bodies in IBC-treated MCF-7 cells. IBC treatment also resulted in decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular ATP level and increased ROS accumulation in MCF-7 cells ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
IBC is capable of inducing both apoptosis and autophagy in MCF-7 cells, suggesting the potential value of IBC as a lead compound in the development of anti-breast cancer agents.
Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Cell Death; Chalcones; Humans; MCF-7 Cells; Neoplasms; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Reactive Oxygen Species; bcl-2-Associated X Protein
PubMed: 35790438
DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2022.06.11 -
Scanning 2014Apigenin is a flavonoid, which has been proved to possess effective anti-cancer bioactivities against variety of cell lines. However, little is known about its effect on...
Apigenin is a flavonoid, which has been proved to possess effective anti-cancer bioactivities against variety of cell lines. However, little is known about its effect on the cell-surface and the interaction between cell-surface and the reacting drug. In this study, human breast cancer line (MCF-7) was selected to be as a cell model to investigate the effects of apigenin on cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, cellular morphology, etc. MTT assay showed that the growth inhibition induced by apigenin was in a dose-dependent manner when treated with different concentrations of apigenin while had little cytotoxic effects on human normal cells (MCF-10A). Fluorescence-based flow cytometry was used to detect cellular apoptosis and ROS production. The results showed that 80 µM apigenin could effectively induce apoptosis and overproduction of ROS in MCF-7 cells. Here, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was utilized to detect the shapes and membrane structures of MCF-7 cells at cellular or subcellular level. The results showed that the control MCF-7 cells presented typical elongated-spindle shapes with abundant pseudopodia, while after treated with apigenin, the cells shrunk and became round, the pseudopodia diminished. Moreover, the images of ultrastructure indicated that the cell membrane was composed of nanoparticles of 49 nm, but with the treated concentrations of apigenin increasing, the sizes of membrane particles significantly increased to 400 nm. These results can improve our understanding of apigenin, which can be potentially developed as a new agent for treatment of cancers.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Apigenin; Apoptosis; Cell Membrane; Cell Shape; Cell Survival; Flow Cytometry; Humans; MCF-7 Cells; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Reactive Oxygen Species; Tetrazolium Salts; Thiazoles
PubMed: 25327419
DOI: 10.1002/sca.21170 -
Biomolecules May 2018Currently, breast cancer treatment mostly revolves around radiation therapy and surgical interventions, but often these treatments do not provide satisfactory relief to...
Currently, breast cancer treatment mostly revolves around radiation therapy and surgical interventions, but often these treatments do not provide satisfactory relief to the patients and cause unmanageable side-effects. Nanomaterials show promising results in treating cancer cells and have many advantages such as high biocompatibility, bioavailability and effective therapeutic capabilities. Interestingly, fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles have been used in many biological and diagnostic applications, but there is no report of use of fluorescent magnetic submicronic polymer nanoparticles (FMSP-nanoparticles) in the treatment of human breast cancer cells. In the present study, we tested the effect of FMSP-nanoparticles on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). We tested different concentrations (1.25, 12.5 and 50 µg/mL) of FMSP-nanoparticles in MCF-7 cells and evaluated the nanoparticles response morphometrically. Our results revealed that FMSP-nanoparticles produced a concentration dependent effect on the cancer cells, a dose of 1.25 µg/mL produced no significant effect on the cancer cell morphology and cell death, whereas dosages of 12.5 and 50 µg/mL resulted in significant nuclear augmentation, disintegration, chromatic condensation followed by dose dependent cell death. Our results demonstrate that FMSP-nanoparticles induce cell death in MCF-7 cells and may be a potential anti-cancer agent for breast cancer treatment.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Death; Fluorescent Dyes; Humans; MCF-7 Cells; Magnetite Nanoparticles; Polystyrenes
PubMed: 29882888
DOI: 10.3390/biom8020032