Synergistic Effect of the Association of BR2 Peptide with 2-Aminoethyl Dihydrogen Phosphate in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common diseases among women worldwide. The triple negative subtype is the most aggressive, with low tumor-free survival and the worst clinical evolution, requiring the development of more effective and targeted therapies. The present study investigated the in vitro pharmacological effects of the association of BR2 peptide with 2-aminoethyl dihydrogen phosphate (2-AEH2P) on MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 triple-negative breast cancer cells. Methods: The physical-chemical analysis of the peptide was performed using the Heliquest software, the cell viability was assessed using the MTT colorimeter method and the predictive pharmacological effect was evaluated using the Synergy Finder software. Results: The results showed the BR2 tumor penetration peptide and the 2-AEH2P+BR2 association significantly increased cytotoxicity in the MDA MB-231 and 4T1 tumor lines, without compromising the viability of the normal fibroblastic cells. The results also showed that depending on the time and concentration, a synergistic effect was observed for the association with tumor cells, with a therapeutic window between 0.8 and 50µm for MDA-MB-231 tumor cells in 48h. Conclusion: The results demonstrated in vivo antitumor and antiproliferative efficiency for MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 tumor cells with low toxicity for normal fibroblast cells, with MDA MB-231 cells being more sensitive to treatments.