Anticancer Effects of Oleocanthal and Pinus Pinaster on Breast Cancer Cell in Culture ^†

Abstract

Phytotherapy has been used for many years due to anticancer and anti-proliferative effects. In this study our purpose was to show the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of oleocanthal and pinus pinaster on MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, 67NR and 4T1 breast cancer cell lines. Biological effects of these plants were researched via morphology, MTT assay for cytotoxicity (IC50), immunocytochemical procedure for oxidative stress (eNOS), angiogenesis (VEGF) and TUNEL method for apoptosis. Statistical analysis was performed with the H-score. Oleocanthal and Pinus pinaster extracts showed significant dose and time-dependent inhibition of growth of breast cancer cells. A significant increase in iNOS staining was observed while a decrease in VEGF staining was observed after extract application at IC50 dose. The results showed a significant increase in apoptosis in extract-treated breast cancer cell lines. We showed that the toxic effect of Oleocanthal and Pinus pinaster extracts created by oxidative stress mechanisms. The increase of oxidative stress in breast cancer cells caused the inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Our results indicated that these plants suggest potential agents in breast cancer treatment. Future studies will focus on the identification of the molecules responsible for anti-cancer activity of these substances in order to improve the quality of life of the patients.