Corn Silk (Zea mays L.) Induced Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer (MCF-7) Cells via the ROS-Mediated Mitochondrial Pathway

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Natural Products Chemistry
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Breast cancer remains a significant cause of mortality in women, with current therapies having limitations.
• Plant-derived natural products are increasingly explored for their potential as non-toxic anticancer agents.
• Corn silk, a byproduct of maize, has traditional uses, but its anticancer properties require scientific validation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anticancer capacity of corn silk extract (CSE) on human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells.
• To investigate the effects of CSE on cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and key gene expression in MCF-7 cells.
• To elucidate the mechanism of CSE-induced apoptosis, focusing on the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial pathways.

Main Methods:

• Cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT, NRU, and morphological assays after 24h treatment with CSE.
• Oxidative stress markers (GSH, LPO), ROS production, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured in MCF-7 cells.
• Gene expression analysis of apoptosis markers (p53, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, caspase-9) was performed using real-time PCR.

Main Results:

• CSE significantly decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis in MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner.
• CSE treatment led to increased LPO and ROS production, and decreased GSH levels and MMP in MCF-7 cells.
• Real-time PCR revealed upregulation of p53, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9, and downregulation of Bcl-2 mRNA expression in CSE-treated MCF-7 cells.

Conclusions:

• Corn silk extract exhibits significant anticancer activity against human breast cancer MCF-7 cells.
• CSE induces apoptosis through a mechanism involving ROS generation and the mitochondrial pathway.
• These findings suggest CSE holds potential as a natural therapeutic agent for breast cancer treatment.