278 - Flaxseed extracts induce apoptosis and regulate the growth of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

Abstract

Flaxseed is emerging as an abundant prominent source of ALA and lignans in the functional food. Epidemiological evidence indicated that flaxseed fatty acid reduces the risks of breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Although flaxseed is considered as an ancient medicine and modern functional food, the effects of flaxseed fatty acid on breast cancer cells and the underlying mechanism are still not fully understood. Here, the in vitro effects of flaxseed extracts on the growth and apoptosis of MCF-7 breast cancer cells were analyzed. The flaxseed extracts significantly reduced the growth of MCF-7 cells and induced ROS.The flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that flaxseed extracts triggered apoptosis of MCF-7 breast cancer cells, which was also indicated by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and caspase cascade reaction. The results indicate that the flaxseed may be used as a dietary supplement to prevent breast cancer. MCF-7 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of flaxseed extracts. The cell viability was measured using the CCK-8 assay. Apoptosis was determined by double staining with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI). The effect of flaxseed extracts on lipid peroxidation in MCF-7 cells was also analyzed. The Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected using flow cytometer with JC-1. The production ROS was monitored by confocal using DCFH-DA. The mRNA levels of genes associated with apoptosis p53 and MDM2 were examined by quantitative real-time PCR. Effects of flaxseed extracts on apoptosis proteins in MCF-7 cells were evaluated by Western Blotting. The flaxseed extracts (100 μg/mL) significantly reduced the growth of MCF-7 cells after the treatment for 72 h. At the same time, the flow cytometric assay and western blotting demonstrated that flaxseed extracts significantly induced apoptosis. An increase of the lipid peroxides production in MCF-7 cells was observed after the treatment for 24 h. Also