Multi-functional effects of curcumin on breast cancer cells

Abstract

The rate at which cancer develops is significantly influenced by angiogenesis. The multifunctional effects of curcumin on breast cancer cells were examined in this study at the level of gene expression. Using the MTT assay, the cytotoxicity impact of curcumin was assessed. Real-time PCR was used to quantify the expression of a few genes involved in the angiogenesis, and apoptosis of MDA-231-MB cells. The results indicated that curcumin inhibited cancer proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The IC50 curcumin was about 40 µM and 15 µM after 48 h, and 96 h culture time respectively. Also, the quantitative analysis of gene expression showed that curcumin suppressed angiogenesis by decreasing the expression of VEGF and induced apoptosis by upregulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-xl at the initial dose of toxicity concentration.

Keywords

• curcumin
• breast cancer
• angiogenesis
• apoptosis