In Vitro Apoptosis Triggering in the BT-474 Human Breast Cancer Cell Line by Lyophilised Camel's Milk

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biochemistry
• Natural Products Research

Background:

• Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women globally and the most common cancer in Oman.
• Natural products are a vital source for discovering new anticancer agents.
• Camel milk has shown potential in cancer treatment, but its effects on human breast cancer require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of lyophilized camel milk in inhibiting the proliferation of human breast cancer cell lines (BT-474, HEp-2) and a non-cancer cell line (HCC1937 BL).
• To determine if lyophilized camel milk induces apoptosis and oxidative stress in breast cancer cells.

Main Methods:

• Cell culture of BT-474, HEp-2, and HCC1937 BL human cell lines.
• Treatment with lyophilized camel milk.
• Analysis of apoptosis markers (caspase-3 mRNA and activity, death receptors).
• Measurement of oxidative stress markers (heme-oxygenase-1, reactive oxygen species).
• Use of actinomycin D to assess RNA synthesis.

Main Results:

• Lyophilized camel milk significantly repressed the growth and proliferation of BT-474 and HEp-2 cells.
• Apoptosis was induced in BT-474 cells via both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, evidenced by caspase-3 activation and death receptor induction.
• Oxidative stress markers, including heme-oxygenase-1 and reactive oxygen species, were elevated in BT-474 cells.
• The increase in caspase-3 mRNA was dependent on newly synthesized RNA, suggesting transcriptional regulation.
• Significant growth repression of both cancer cell lines was observed after 72 hours of treatment.

Conclusions:

• Lyophilized camel milk effectively inhibits human breast cancer cell proliferation.
• The mechanism involves the induction of apoptosis and oxidative stress, potentially through an alternative apoptotic pathway.
• Lyophilized camel milk demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for breast cancer.