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The influence of lycopene on the proliferation of human breast cell line (MCF-7)
F Fornelli1, A Leone, I Verdesca
1Institute of Sciences of Food Production, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bari, Italy.
Abstract:
Lycopene, a non-provitaminic carotenoid, present in many fruit and vegetables, such as tomatoes and their processed products, has been associated with decreased risk of chronic diseases including cancer. The influence of lycopene on the proliferation of the breast tumour cell line (MCF-7) was tested using MTT and BrdU assays at different time intervals (from 24 to 72h) and dose-response (from 0.125 to 100microM). The induction of Gap Junction Intercellular Communication (GJIC) was evaluated by dye-transfer assay using Lucifer Yellow on monolayer cells treated with different lycopene concentrations (from 0.125 to 5microM) for 6 to 48h. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of lycopene was of 5microM, after a 24h exposure. A prolonged exposure time (72h) induced a similar inhibitory effect. Lycopene stimulated the functionality of GJIC at concentrations of 1microM after 24h and this effect was dose-dependent. The induction of GJIC by lycopene was confirmed by an increased expression of connexin 43. Collectively, the above data confirm the inhibitor effects of lycopene on MCF-7 cell growth and suggest that lycopene is involved in the modulation of the gap junction intercellular communication in this cell line, as observed for other cancer cell lines.
Insights
Lycopene, a compound found in tomatoes, inhibits breast cancer cell growth. It also enhances gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC), a key process in cell signaling and cancer prevention.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional biochemistry
- Cancer biology
- Cell signaling
Background:
- Lycopene, a carotenoid in fruits and vegetables, is linked to reduced chronic disease risk, including cancer.
- Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern, necessitating research into preventative and therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of lycopene on the proliferation of the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line.
- To determine lycopene's influence on gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) and connexin 43 expression.
Main Methods:
- MTT and BrdU assays were used to assess cell proliferation at various time points and concentrations.
- Dye-transfer assays with Lucifer Yellow evaluated GJIC functionality.
- Connexin 43 expression was analyzed to confirm GJIC modulation.
Main Results:
- Lycopene demonstrated a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 5microM against MCF-7 cells after 24 hours, with similar effects at 72 hours.
- Lycopene stimulated GJIC functionality in a dose-dependent manner starting at 1microM after 24 hours.
- Increased expression of connexin 43 confirmed lycopene's role in GJIC modulation.
Conclusions:
- Lycopene effectively inhibits MCF-7 breast cancer cell growth.
- Lycopene modulates GJIC in breast cancer cells, suggesting a potential role in cancer prevention and therapy.
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