The Effect of Ginger Extract on the Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in MDA-mb231 and HT-29 Cell Lines

Abstract

Background: Cancer is a neoplastic disease that continues to be a global challenge, with a reported prevalence increasing annually. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in various epithelial tumors such as breast and colon cancer, and for this reason, it is used for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Because of the high mortality rate associated with cancer and the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, patients need replaced strategies for therapy. Ginger has biological effects, including antioxidant and anticancer activities. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate ginger extract's effect on the expression of EGFR in MDA-mb231 and HT-29 cell lines. Methods: Fresh ginger rhizomes were purchased from a local food market, washed, grated, and then ginger extract was prepared using ethanol. MDA-mb231 and HT-29 cell lines were treated with different concentrations of ginger (5, 10, and 20 µgr/mL) extract in RPMI-1640 plus 10 % FCS for 18 h. The gene expression of EGFR was measured by real-time PCR. Results: The level of EGFR expression in MDA-mb231 and HT-29 cell lines after treatment with different concentrations of ginger extract was not changed significantly (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The current data indicate that the ginger extract does not have a significant dose-dependent effect, in the concentration range of 5 to 20 µgr/mL, on the expression of EGFR in these cancer cell lines. It is suggested to repeat the experiments with higher concentrations of ginger and in a time-dependent manner.