Cultured MCF-7 Cells Research Articles

Biochanin A Induces Apoptosis in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells through Mitochondrial Pathway and Pi3K/AKT Inhibition.

The study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which Biochanin A inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Cultured MCF-7 cells were divided into four groups: Group 1-control, while Groups 2, 3, and 4 were treated with Biochanin A at different concentrations. After treatment, the cells were monitored, and morphological changes were examined after 24 h of incubation. The results showed that Biochanin A inhibited cell proliferation, increased reactive oxygen species formation, and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, western blot analysis revealed that Biochanin A-treated cells exhibited lower expression of the Bcl-2, p-PI3K and p-AKT and higher expression of proapoptotic genes, including Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and cytochrome c. Additionally, PCR array analysis indicated that the gene expression levels of cyclin D3, cyclin B1, CDK1, CDK2, and CDK4 were downregulated, while the expression levels of p21, p27, and p53 were significantly upregulated. These results suggest that Biochanin A can suppress the viability of breast cancer cells and induce apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway, along with inhibition of the Pi3K/Akt signaling pathway and modulation of cell cycle markers.

Cytotoxic and cytostatic activity of five new imidazotetrazine derivatives on breast cancer cell cultures MDAMB231, BT474, and MCF-7

Introduction: The work presents the results of the study of new imidazotetrazine derivatives to establish the possibility of using them as anticancer agents, including for chemotherapy of metastatic breast cancer. The relevance of the work is due to the wide spread of oncological diseases and high cancer mortality, which dictates the need to constantly obtain cell lines and improve cultivation protocols for testing new antitumor drugs. The goal of this study is to check the potential of five new imidazotetrazine derivatives to become new antitumor drugs, in the scope of studying their cytotoxic and cytostatic activities on breast cancer cell cultures. Materials and Methods: The culturing MCF-7, MDAMB231, BT474, and MCF-10a cells with determining cytotoxic and cytostatic activities of five new azolotetrazine derivatives are base methods used in this study. Results: For the MCF-7 culture, MCS of comparison drug temozolomide was equal to 2.44 and IC50 was 6.81 mM/L; for other cultures CTA indicators were worse. Imidazotetrazine 2 and imidazotetrazine 3 demonstrated CTA indicators lower than those of temozolomide. IC50 was not achieved, and the MCS value varied between 1.34 and 1.74. These two derivatives were classified as the compounds with an extremely low CTA. Imidazotetrazine 1 and iminothiotriazine 5 showed cytotoxic activity higher than that of the comparison drug and we classified these compounds as the ones with a moderate CTA. Finally, we found imidazotetrazine 4 with IC50 of 0.85 mM/L and CTA of 7.34 as a compound with a potentially strong anticancer effect for further investigation. The cytostatic activity of four of the five azoloazine derivatives studied was in a narrow range corresponding to the survival rate from 0.21 to 0.32, depending on the compound and cell culture. Against this background, imidazotetrazine 4 demonstrated a higher CSA, determined by the survival rate from 0.17 to 0.20. Conclusion: As a result of an in vitro study, we found that five new azolotriazine derivatives can be evaluated in the ascending order of these properties, as a combination of CTA+CSA in order imidazotetrazine 2, imidazotetrazine 3 < temozolomide < imidazotetrazine 1, iminothiotriazine 5 < imidazotetrazine 4, although the CSA of all the studied compounds turned out to be high. Thus, 3-Cyclohexyl-4-oxoimidazo[5,1-d]-[1,2,3,5]tetrazine-8-N-piperidinyl-carboxamide (imidazotetrazine 4) is an unconditional leader in the tested series of new azoloazine derivatives and we recommend it for further preclinical trials.

P53 Status Influences the Anti-proliferative Effect Induced by IFITM1 Inhibition in Estrogen Receptor-positive Breast Cancer Cells.

Interferon-induced trans-membrane protein 1 (IFITM1) is known to be involved in breast cancer progression. We aimed to investigate its role in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells with wild-type p53 and tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells. The ER-positive breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 with wild-type p53 and T47D with mutant p53, were used. We established an MCF-7-derived tamoxifen-resistant cell line (TamR) by long-term culture of MCF-7 cells with 4-hydroxytamoxifen. IFITM1 inhibition in MCF-7 cells significantly decreased cell growth and migration. MCF-7 cells with suppression of IFITM1 using siRNA or ruxolitinib showed reduced cell viability after tamoxifen treatment compared with that in the control MCF-7 cells. Unexpectedly, mRNA and protein levels of IFITM1 were decreased in TamR cells compared with those in MCF-7 cells. TamR cells with suppression of IFITM1 using siRNA or ruxolitinib showed no change in cell viability after treatment with tamoxifen. P53 knockdown using siRNA reduced the mRNA levels of IRF9 and increased mRNA and protein levels of SOCS3 in MCF-7 cells, suggesting that loss or mutation of p53 can affect the induction of IFITM1 via the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in breast cancer. Furthermore, MCF-7 cells with p53 knockdown using siRNA showed no decrease in cell viability after tamoxifen treatment or IFITM1 inhibition, indicating that p53 status may be important for cell death after tamoxifen treatment or IFITM1 inhibition. IFITM1 inhibition may enhance the sensitivity to tamoxifen based on p53-dependent enhancement of IFN signaling in wild-type p53, ER-positive breast cancer cells.

The effects of metformin and PCL-sorafenib nanoparticle co-treatment on MCF-7 cell culture model of breast cancer.

Despite breakthrough therapeutics in breast cancer, it is one of the main causes of mortality among women worldwide. Thus, drug therapies for treating breast cancer have recently been developed by scientists. Metformin and sorafenib are well-known therapeutics in breast cancer. In the present study, we combined sorafenib and PCL-sorafenib with metformin to improve drug absorption and promote therapeutic efficiency. The MCF-7 cells were treated with metformin, sorafenib, or PCL-sorafenib. The growth inhibitory effect of these drugs and cell viability were assessed using MTT and flow cytometry assays, respectively. The expression of targeted genes involved in cell proliferation, signaling, and the cell cycle was measured by real-time PCR. The results showed that MCF-7 cells treated with metformin/sorafenib and PCL-sorafenib/metformin co-treatment contributed to 50% viability compared to the untreated group. Moreover, PI and Annexin V staining tests showed that the cell viability for metformin/sorafenib and PCL-sorafenib/metformin was 38% and 17%, respectively. Furthermore, sorafenib/metformin and PCL-sorafenib/metformin lead to p53 gene expression increase by which they can increase ROS, thereby decreasing GPX4 gene expression. In addition, they affected the expression of BCL2 and BAX genes and altered the cell cycle. Together, the combination of PCL-sorafenib/metformin and sorafenib/metformin increased sorafenib absorption at lower doses and also led to apoptosis and oxidative stress increases in MCF-7 cells.

Utility of 1.5 Tesla MRI Scanner in the Management of Small Sample Sizes Driven from 3D Breast Cell Culture.

The aim of this work was to use and optimize a 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system for three-dimensional (3D) images of small samples obtained from breast cell cultures in vitro. The basis of this study was to design MRI equipment to enable imaging of MCF-7 breast cancer cell cultures (about 1 million cells) in 1.5 and 2 mL glass tubes and/or bioreactors with an external diameter of less than 20 mm. Additionally, the development of software to calculate longitudinal and transverse relaxation times is described. Imaging tests were performed using a clinical MRI scanner OPTIMA 360 manufactured by GEMS. Due to the size of the tested objects, it was necessary to design additional receiving circuits allowing for the study of MCF-7 cell cultures placed in glass bioreactors. The examined sample's volume did not exceed 2.0 mL nor did the number of cells exceed 1 million. This work also included a modification of the sequence to allow for the analysis of T1 and T2 relaxation times. The analysis was performed using the MATLAB package (produced by MathWorks). The created application is based on medical MR images saved in the DICOM3.0 standard which ensures that the data analyzed are reliable and unchangeable in an unintentional manner that could affect the measurement results. The possibility of using 1.5 T MRI systems for cell culture research providing quantitative information from in vitro studies was realized. The scanning resolution for FOV = 5 cm and the matrix was achieved at a level of resolution of less than 0.1 mm/pixel. Receiving elements were built allowing for the acquisition of data for MRI image reconstruction confirmed by images of a phantom with a known structure and geometry. Magnetic resonance sequences were modified for the saturation recovery (SR) method, the purpose of which was to determine relaxation times. An application in MATLAB was developed that allows for the analysis of T1 and T2 relaxation times. The relaxation times of cell cultures were determined over a 6-week period. In the first week, the T1 time value was 1100 ± 40 ms, which decreased to 673 ± 59 ms by the sixth week. For T2, the results were 171 ± 10 ms and 128 ± 12 ms, respectively.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of MCF-7 (Breast Cancer) for Schiff, Mannich Bases, and Their Complexes

A new synthesis of Schiff (K) 6 and Mannich bases (Q) 7 had formed compound (Q) 7 by reacting compound (K) with N-methylaniline at the presence of formalin 35% to given Mannich base (Q). Additionally, new complexes were formed by reacting Schiff base (K) with metal salts CuCl2·2H2O, PdCl2·2H2O, and PtCl6·6H2O by 2:1 of M:L ratio. New ligands and their complexes were characterized, exanimated, and confirmed through several techniques, including FTIR, UV-visible, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR spectroscopy, CHN analysis, FAA, TG, molar conductivity, and magnetic susceptibility. These compounds and their complexes were screened against breast cancer cells. It was determined that several of these compounds had a significant anti-breast cancer effect due to their ability to induce cell death and reduce tumor growth. Metal complexes have been thoroughly studied as a potential anti-cancer therapy and have shown promising results. It was revealed these complexes uniquely affect the biological processes involved in cancer growth, leading to apoptosis and fading of cells. To form MCF-7 cell cultures, MCF-7 cells were seeded in 96-well plates at an appropriate density (5 × 105 cells/well). Metal complexes utilized in MCF-7 therapy have the potential to disband some of the harms associated with chemotherapy, such as drug resistance and toxicity.

Towards an anticancer bioactive glass-Fe3O4/Pectin/Pectic oligosaccharide coatings for biomedical applications

The aim of this study was to develop multi-functional bioactive glass-based coatings with anti-cancer properties for biomedical applications. These coatings were specifically designed for AISI 316 stainless steel substrates. The surface was initially coated with a first layer comprising a composite of iron oxide nanoparticles and 45S5 bioactive glass, which was deposited on the surface through electrophoretic deposition. Subsequently, a second layer, consisting of Pectin and Pectic oligosaccharide polymers, was applied onto the base layer using the immersion technique. Various analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, attenuated total reflectance fourier-transform infrared, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, specific loss power, and inductively coupled plasma, were employed to analyze the synthesized samples. In addition, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) tests, MCF-7 cell culture studies, and corrosion evaluations were also conducted. The vibrating sample magnetometry analyses revealed that the samples exhibited the highest saturation magnetization when synthesized using a Fe3O4 solution with a concentration of 0.5 g L−1. Specific Loss Power analysis indicated that a temperature of 42 °C could be attained within 175 s for the sample prepared under these conditions. The results demonstrated that all the coatings were found to possess hydrophilic surfaces. Examination of MCF-7 cell culture revealed that coatings with a pectic oligosaccharide top layer were found to exhibit remarkable cytotoxicity, leading to the destruction of up to 98.8 % of cancer cells within a two-hour exposure period at 48 °C.

Comparison of antiproliferative effects of amlodipine and nebivolol against MCF-7 cells: An in vitro study

Background: Breast cancer (BC) has become the most common cancer among women in India. Both amlodipine, belonging to calcium channel blockers, and nebivolol, belonging to the beta blockers class have proven anticancer mechanisms. However, the effect has not been compared between these drugs till now. Aim and Objectives: The present study aims to compare the antiproliferation effects of amlodipine and nebivolol against human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells. Materials and Methods: Cell viability assay was used to screen the antiproliferation effects of the study drug molecules in MCF-7 cell cultures. The IC50 values were derived graphically by plotting the cell viability against drug concentration. Results: Both amlodipine and nebivolol exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against BC cells. The IC50 of amlodipine was 166.6 μg/mL and nebivolol was 114.6 μg/mL. Conclusion: In this study, nebivolol showed potent cytotoxicity compared to amlodipine. This inference may provide further insights into future drug research.

Mechanism of the cytotoxic effect of noble metal polyacrylates on tumor cells

The present study was carried out to investigate and compare the cytotoxic activities and mechanism of action of gold polyacrylates (aurumacryl) and silver polyacrylates (argacryl) using human tumor cell line (MCF-7 cell culture). The tested compounds showed high cytotoxic activity. It was found that argacryl is 20 times more effective than aurumacryl. It was established that apoptosis represents the dominant mechanism by which tumor cells undergo cell death induced by aurumacryl and argacryl. Differences in the effect of drugs on the DNA structure in tumor cells were found.

The Tumorigenicity of Breast Cancer Cells Is Reduced upon Treatment with Small Extracellular Vesicles Isolated from Heparin Treated Cell Cultures.

As a member of the HPSG family, heparin is often used as a specific probe of their role in cell physiology; indeed, we have previously shown a reduction in the tumorigenicity of breast cancer cells when cultured in its presence. However, a partial reversal of the anti-tumorigenic effect occurred when the treated cells were cultured in fresh medium without heparin, which led us to consider whether a more persistent effect could be achieved by treatment of the cells with small extracellular vesicles (sEV) from heparin-treated cells. The tumorigenicity was analyzed using sEV isolated from the culture medium of heparin-treated MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells (sEV-HT) or from conditioned medium following the termination of treatment (heparin discontinued, sEV-HD). Tumorigenicity was reduced in cells cultured in the presence of sEV-HT compared to that of cells cultured in the presence of sEV from untreated cells (sEV-Ctrl). sEV-HD were also observed to exert an anti-tumorigenic effect on the expression of pro-tumorigenic and cell cycle regulatory proteins, as well as signaling activities when added to fresh cultures of MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells. The anti-tumorigenic activity of the heparin-derived sEV may arise from observed changes in the miRNA content or from heparin, which was observed to be bound to the sEV. sEV may constitute a relatively stable reservoir of circulating heparin, allowing heparin activity to persist in the circulation even after therapy has been discontinued. These findings can be considered as a special additional pharmacological characteristic of heparin clinical therapy.

The Effect of Bitter Melon Extract (Momordica Charantia) On CASPASE-9 and Bcl-2 Proteins Expression

Breast cancer has a significant morbidity and death rate worldwide, thus various therapeutic strategies, including the phytopharmaca approach, must be researched further. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) extract is predicted to have anticancer properties due to its influence on Caspase-9 and BcL2 proteins, which will be shown in this in vitro investigation utilizing MCF-7 cell culture. This study was an in vitro laboratory experimental study with a post-test-only control group design. The doses of Momordica charantia extract used were 125 μg/ml, 500 μg/ml, and 1,000 μg/ml. Caspase-9 and BcL2 protein expression in MCF-7cell culture was measured by immunocytochemistry method, Shapiro Wilk, Levene Test, One Way Anova, and Post Hoc LSD. Administration of Momordica charantia extract at a dose of 500 μg/ml and 1,000 μg/ml significantly increased the average expression of Caspase-9 protein (p = 0.044 and p = 0.004 respectively), but not at a dose of 125 μg/mL (p = 0.125). Administration of bitter melon extract at doses of 125 μg/ml, 500 μg/ml, and 1,000 μg/ml significantly reduced the average BcL2 protein expression (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.001 respectively). Momordica charantia extract has the potential to be employed as an anti-breast cancer agent due to its ability to increase the average expression of Caspase-9 protein while reducing the average expression of BcL2 protein.

Xanthohumol hinders invasion and cell cycle progression in cancer cells through targeting MMP2, MMP9, FAK and P53 genes in three-dimensional breast and lung cancer cells culture

BackgroundDespite recent advances in the treatment of lung and breast cancer, the mortality with these two types of cancer is high. Xanthohumol (XN) is known as a bioactive compound that shows an anticancer effect on cancer cells. Here, we intended to investigate the anticancer effects of XN on the breast and lung cancer cell lines, using the three-dimensional (3D) cell culture.MethodsXN was isolated from Humulus lupulus using Preparative-Thin Layer Chromatography (P-TLC) method and its authenticity was documented through Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Hydrogen Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (H-NMR) methods. The spheroids of the breast (MCF-7) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines were prepared by the Hanging Drop (HD) method. Subsequently, the IC50s of XN were determined using the MTT assay in 2D and 3D cultures. Apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V/PI flow cytometry and NFκB1/2, BAX, BCL2, and SURVIVIN expressions. Cell cycle progression was determined by P21, and P53 expressions as well as PI flow cytometry assays. Multidrug resistance was investigated through examining the expression of MDR1 and ABCG2. The invasion was examined by MMP2, MMP9, and FAK expression and F-actin labeling with Phalloidin-iFluor.ResultsWhile the IC50s for the XN treatment were 1.9 µM and 4.74 µM in 2D cultures, these values were 12.37 µM and 31.17 µM in 3D cultures of MCF-7 and A549 cells, respectively. XN induced apoptosis in MCF-7 and A549 cell lines. Furthermore, XN treatment reduced cell cycle progression, multidrug resistance, and invasion at the molecular and/or cellular levels.ConclusionsAccording to our results of XN treatment in 3D conditions, this bioactive compound can be introduced as an adjuvant anti-cancer agent for breast and lung cancer.

Bioactivity and quantum chemical calculations оf a new coumarine derivative as a strong antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-cancer substance

4-(((4-Ethyl-5-(thiophen-2-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)methyl)-7-methyl-coumarin was synthesized, and its characterization was done with quantum chemical calculations and spectral techniques. The density functional method (B3LYP) with the 6-311G(d,p) basis set was used to calculate the molecular geometry, vibrational frequencies, and gauge, including atomic orbital (GIAO) 1H and 13C-NMR chemical shift values of the title compound in the ground state. The theoretical vibrational frequencies and chemical shift values agree well with the experimental results. DFT calculations of the density of states (DOS) and frontier molecular orbitals of the title compound were carried out at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of theory. In the present study, biological activities and molecular docking studies of this triazole ring containing coumarin derivative compound were carried out. Interactions with important residues in active sites were detected in molecular docking studies. In addition, in vitro analysis has shown that anti-microorganism activity is especially effective against bacterial organisms such as E. coli, S. aureus, B. cereus, and fungal organisms such as C. albicans, C. tropicalis. Also, the antioxidant capacity of the test compound was investigated by oxidative stress index (OSI) and radical scavenging power (DPPH.), and its antioxidant potential was found. In addition, it was determined by in vitro anticancer and SDS-PAGE analysis that the test compound does not cause a detrimental cytotoxic effect on healthy cell cultures such as HUVEC and has the potential for anticarcinogenic activity on MCF-7 and MKN-45 cancerous cell cultures.

Biogenic silver nanoparticles eradicate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from the sputum of COVID-19 patients.

In recent investigations, secondary bacterial infections were found to be strongly related to mortality in COVID-19 patients. In addition, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria played an important role in the series of bacterial infections that accompany infection in COVID-19. The objective of the present study was to investigate the ability of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from strawberries (Fragaria ananassa L.) leaf extract without a chemical catalyst to inhibit Gram-negative P. aeruginosa and Gram-positive Staph aureus isolated from COVID-19 patient's sputum. A wide range of measurements was performed on the synthesized AgNPs, including UV-vis, SEM, TEM, EDX, DLS, ζ -potential, XRD, and FTIR. UV-Visible spectral showed the absorbance at the wavelength 398 nm with an increase in the color intensity of the mixture after 8 h passed at the time of preparation confirming the high stability of the FA-AgNPs in the dark at room temperature. SEM and TEM measurements confirmed AgNPs with size ranges of ∼40-∼50 nm, whereas the DLS study confirmed their average hydrodynamic size as ∼53 nm. Furthermore, Ag NPs. EDX analysis showed the presence of the following elements: oxygen (40.46%), and silver (59.54%). Biosynthesized FA-AgNPs (ζ = -17.5 ± 3.1 mV) showed concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity for 48 h in both pathogenic strains. MTT tests showed concentration-dependent and line-specific effects of FA-AgNPs on cancer MCF-7 and normal liver WRL-68 cell cultures. According to the results, synthetic FA-AgNPs obtained through an environmentally friendly biological process are inexpensive and may inhibit the growth of bacteria isolated from COVID-19 patients.

ALDOC- and ENO2- driven glucose metabolism sustains 3D tumor spheroids growth regardless of nutrient environmental conditions: a multi-omics analysis

BackgroundMetastases are the major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. By the time cancer cells detach from their primary site to eventually spread to distant sites, they need to acquire the ability to survive in non-adherent conditions and to proliferate within a new microenvironment in spite of stressing conditions that may severely constrain the metastatic process. In this study, we gained insight into the molecular mechanisms allowing cancer cells to survive and proliferate in an anchorage-independent manner, regardless of both tumor-intrinsic variables and nutrient culture conditions.Methods3D spheroids derived from lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and breast cancer cells were cultured in either nutrient-rich or -restricted culture conditions. A multi-omics approach, including transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, was used to explore the molecular changes underlying the transition from 2 to 3D cultures. Small interfering RNA-mediated loss of function assays were used to validate the role of the identified differentially expressed genes and proteins in H460 and HCC827 LUAD as well as in MCF7 and T47D breast cancer cell lines.ResultsWe found that the transition from 2 to 3D cultures of H460 and MCF7 cells is associated with significant changes in the expression of genes and proteins involved in metabolic reprogramming. In particular, we observed that 3D tumor spheroid growth implies the overexpression of ALDOC and ENO2 glycolytic enzymes concomitant with the enhanced consumption of glucose and fructose and the enhanced production of lactate. Transfection with siRNA against both ALDOC and ENO2 determined a significant reduction in lactate production, viability and size of 3D tumor spheroids produced by H460, HCC827, MCF7, and T47D cell lines.ConclusionsOur results show that anchorage-independent survival and growth of cancer cells are supported by changes in genes and proteins that drive glucose metabolism towards an enhanced lactate production. Notably, this finding is valid for all lung and breast cancer cell lines we have analyzed in different nutrient environmental conditions. broader Validation of this mechanism in other cancer cells of different origin will be necessary to broaden the role of ALDOC and ENO2 to other tumor types. Future in vivo studies will be necessary to assess the role of ALDOC and ENO2 in cancer metastasis.

3D culture boosting fullerenol nanoparticles to induce calreticulin exposure on MCF-7 cells for enhanced macrophage-mediated cell removal

Calreticulin (CRT) on the cell surface that acts as an "eat me" signal is vital for macrophage-mediated programmed cell removal. The polyhydroxylated fullerenol nanoparticle (FNP) has appeared as an effective inducer to cause CRT exposure on cancer cell surface, but it failed in treating some cancer cells such as MCF-7 cells based on previous findings. Here, we carried out the 3D culture of MCF-7 cells, and interestingly found that the FNP induced CRT exposure on cells in 3D spheres via re-distributing CRT from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to cell surface. Phagocytosis experiments in vitro and in vivo illustrated the combination of FNP and anti-CD47 monoclonal antibody (mAb) further enhanced macrophage-mediated phagocytosis to cancer cells. The maximal phagocytic index in vivo was about three times higher than that of the control group. Moreover, in vivo tumorigenesis experiments in mice proved that FNP could regulate the progress of MCF-7 cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). These findings expand the application of FNP in tumor therapy of anti-CD47 mAb and 3D culture can be used as a screening tool for nanomedicine.

Effect of new azoloazine derivatives with potential antitumor activity on energy metabolism in MCF-7 and Vero cell cultures

Introduction. The work presents the results of studying the effects of three new azoloazine derivatives on oxidative glucose metabolism in order to select substances with the most acceptable characteristics for further preclinical study as potential antitumor agents, including for breast cancer chemotherapy.Aim. The aim of the work is to identify the metabolic properties of new azoloazine derivatives in terms of their effect on glucose metabolism using a culture of MCF-7 tumor cells and Vero non-tumor cells.Material and Methods. The testing on cell cultures was the main method used in the work, and all tested compounds were applied in final concentrations from 2.5 μmol/L. The comparison drug was epirubicin in the same concentration. The biochemical techniques included the determination of lactate production using commercial Olvex Diagnosticum kits and the determination of oxygen consumption by cells using the Seahorse XFe24 Analyzer for cellular metabolism. The results were processed statistically.Results. Lactate production in MCF-7 and Vero cell cultures decreased by more than half in the presence of 3-Cyclohexyl4-oxoimidazo[5,1-d]-[1,2,3,5]tetrazine-8-N-piperidinyl-carboxamide, and oxygen consumption decreased by 19-40%, which was the maximum effect among the studied azoloazine derivatives. Diethyl ether of 4-aminoimidazo[5,1-c][1,2,4]triazine-3,8dicarboxylic acid and 4-Amino-8-ethoxycarbonyl-imidazo[5,1-c][1,2,4]triazine-3-N-(p-toluyl)carboxamide were similar in their metabolic effects to the comparison drug epirubicin. They reduced lactate production in MCF-7 and Vero cell culture by a third and by 21–22%, respectively. Oxygen consumption in MCF-7 cell culture decreased by 14–17%, in Vero cell culture it decreased by 18–24%.Conclusion. The data obtained allow us to consider the (3-Cyclohexyl-4-oxoimidazo[5,1-d]-[1,2,3,5]tetrazine-8-N-piperidinylcarboxamide as the leader among new azoloazine derivatives and recommend it for further preclinical study as a potential antitumor agent.

Cell Metabolomics Reveals the Potential Mechanism of Aloe Emodin and Emodin Inhibiting Breast Cancer Metastasis.

Metastasis is one of the main obstacles for the treatment and prognosis of breast cancer. In this study, the effects and possible mechanisms of aloe emodin (AE) and emodin (EMD) for inhibiting breast cancer metastasis were investigated via cell metabolomics. First, a co-culture model of MCF-7 and HUVEC cells was established and compared with a traditional single culture of MCF-7 cells. The results showed that HUVEC cells could promote the development of cancer cells to a malignant phenotype. Moreover, AE and EMD could inhibit adhesion, invasion, and angiogenesis and induce anoikis of MCF-7 cells in co-culture model. Then, the potential mechanisms behind AE and EMD inhibition of MCF-7 cell metastasis were explored using a metabolomics method based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS multivariate statistical analysis. Consequently, 27 and 13 biomarkers were identified in AE and EMD groups, respectively, including polyamine metabolism, methionine cycle, TCA cycle, glutathione metabolism, purine metabolism, and aspartate synthesis. The typical metabolites were quantitatively analyzed, and the results showed that the inhibitory effect of AE was significantly better than EMD. All results confirmed that AE and EMD could inhibit metastasis of breast cancer cells through different pathways. Our study provides an overall view of the underlying mechanisms of AE and EMD against breast cancer metastasis.

Differential Cytotoxicity of Curcumin-Loaded Micelles on Human Tumor and Stromal Cells.

Although curcumin in the form of nanoparticles has been demonstrated as a potential anti-tumor compound, the impact of curcumin and nanocurcumin in vitro on normal cells and in vivo in animal models is largely unknown. This study evaluated the toxicity of curcumin-loaded micelles in vitro and in vivo on several tumor cell lines, primary stromal cells, and zebrafish embryos. Breast tumor cell line (MCF7) and stromal cells (human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells, human fibroblasts, and human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells) were used in this study. A zebrafish embryotoxicity (FET) assay was conducted following the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Test 236. Compared to free curcumin, curcumin PM showed higher cytotoxicity to MCF7 cells in both monolayer culture and multicellular tumor spheroids. The curcumin-loaded micelles efficiently penetrated the MCF7 spheroids and induced apoptosis. The nanocurcumin reduced the viability and disturbed the function of stromal cells by suppressing cell migration and tube formation. The micelles demonstrated toxicity to the development of zebrafish embryos. Curcumin-loaded micelles demonstrated toxicity to both tumor and normal primary stromal cells and zebrafish embryos, indicating that the use of nanocurcumin in cancer treatment should be carefully investigated and controlled.

The Influence of Faradarmani Consciousness Field on the Survival and Death of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells: An Optimization Perspective

Mohammad Ali Taheri, the founder of the Faradarmani Consciousness Field (CF) maintains that beyond matter and energy, there are Taheri Consciousness Fields (TCFs) that can be accessed through the connection of the consciousness of the subject of study to the Cosmic Consciousness Network (CCN). This causes an optimization in a subject’s structure and function. Apart from the fact that most studies in the field of cancer are aimed at the death of cancer cells, the purpose of this study was to investigate the MCF-7 cancer cell survival and death according to their optimal nature under the influence of the Faradarmani CF. For the purpose of this investigation, cellular viability was evaluated by MTT assay for 6-24 h under the influence of the Faradarmani CF. Consequently, cell cycle analysis was performed for the evaluation of apoptotic cell death. Finally, the expression of Bcl2 and Bax genes in MCF-7 cells was evaluated as a validation of the obtained cellular scale results. Our findings demonstrate that the Faradarmani CF treatment significantly induced cell proliferation in the MCF-7 cell culture in specific test conditions mediated by increasing cellular viability by about 18% in comparison to the control in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, the S-phase in the cell cycle, as a sign of cell population in the sample treated with the Faradarmani CF, was increased by 56% (up to 24h) in comparison to the control. The real-time RT-PCR reaction results show that in cells treated with the Faradarmani CF, the Bax/Bcl2 ratio decreased after 24 h (more than the 1-fold negative control (untreated)), suggesting a higher cell survival and resistance to death. Considering the concepts of the TCFs, according to Taheri, proliferation and survival appear to become optimized in MCF-7 cancer cell lines under the influence of the Faradarmani CF.