Investigation of the Effect of Quercetin on Human Breast Cancer Cell Line

Abstract

Purpose: Breast cancer is a common cancer that occurs due to different epigenetic changes and genetic mutations. Naturally occurring Quercetin is a flavonoid that exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and manages multiple intracellular targets. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the possible effect of Quercetin on apoptosis/autophagy processes in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Materials and Methods: Quercetin was applied to MCF-7 breast cancer cell line at different concentrations and times (24, 48 and 72 hours) to determine the IC50 value of quercetin by 3-4.5-dimetil-tiyazolil–2.5-difeniletrazolyum bromid (MTT) analysis, and groups were formed. Control group; no treatment group, Quercetin 1; IC50 dose of quercetin administered group, Quercetin 2; group in which half the IC50 dose of quercetin was administered, D 1; In the quercetin 1 group, the DMSO ratio used in the preparation of the quercetin was applied, and D 2; In the quercetin 2 group, the DMSO ratio used in the preparation of the quer-cetin was applied, While TUNEL staining method was used to evaluate the apoptotic effect of quercetin, LC3/2 and Beclin-1 immunofluorescence staining method was applied to reveal its autophagic effect. Results: When the effect of quercetin on cells was examined, it was observed that cell viability was inhibited depending on dose and time. In addition, it was observed that the autophagy markers Beclin-1and LC3/2 immunoreactivity increased, too. Conclusion: In conclusion, it was observed that quercetin led to death of MCF-7 breast cancer cells through apoptosis and autophagy pathways.

Keywords

• apoptosis
• autophagy
• mcf-7 cell line
• quercetin