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Enhancement of Apoptotic and Autophagic Induction by a Novel Synthetic C-1 Analogue of 7-deoxypancratistatin in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma and Neuroblastoma Cells with Tamoxifen
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Enhancement of Apoptotic and Autophagic Induction by a Novel Synthetic C-1 Analogue of 7-deoxypancratistatin in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma and Neuroblastoma Cells with Tamoxifen

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Effects of Polyamines on TNFalpha- or Tamoxifen-induced Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cells

J Y Kim, K Y Kim, K H Lee

    Cancer Research and Treatment
    |December 19, 2015
    PubMed
    Abstract

    Insights

    Polyamines, like spermine, may prevent apoptosis in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells (MCF-7) induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) or tamoxifen (TAM). These compounds suppressed ROS generation and blocked cell death in MCF-7 cells.

    Area of Science:

    • Cell biology
    • Cancer research
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and ER-negative breast cancer cells exhibit differential responses to therapeutic agents.
    • Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and tamoxifen (TAM) are known inducers of apoptosis in cancer cells.
    • Polyamines play crucial roles in cell growth and proliferation, and their role in cancer therapy is an area of active investigation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the effects of polyamines on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha)- or tamoxifen (TAM)-induced apoptosis.
    • To compare these effects in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 and ER-negative MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells.

    Main Methods:

    • Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay.
    • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was measured by DCFDA fluorescence.
    • DNA fragmentation was analyzed via agarose gel electrophoresis.

    Main Results:

    • TNFalpha and TAM inhibited MCF-7 cell growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner, while MDA-MB-231 cells showed resistance.
    • TNFalpha treatment increased ROS generation in MCF-7 cells.
    • Polyamines, particularly spermine, suppressed TNFalpha-induced ROS generation and blocked TAM-induced cell death in MCF-7 cells, indicating antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects.

    Conclusions:

    • Polyamines may prevent TNFalpha or TAM-induced apoptosis in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.
    • The findings highlight a potential role for polyamines in modulating breast cancer cell response to chemotherapy.
    Keywords:
    ApoptosisPolyaminesTNFalphaTamoxifen

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