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The effect of oleuropein on apoptotic pathway regulators in breast cancer cells

Samira Asgharzade1, Somayeh Hashemi Sheikhshabani2, Elham Ghasempour1

  • 1Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord, University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.

European Journal of Pharmacology
|September 5, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Oleuropein, a natural compound from olives, shows promise in breast cancer treatment by reducing cell viability and increasing apoptosis. It modulates microRNA and gene expression, suggesting potential as a complementary cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • * Oncology
  • * Molecular Biology
  • * Pharmacology

Background:

  • * Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide.
  • * MicroRNA (miRNA) dysregulation is implicated in cancer initiation and progression.
  • * Herbal compounds targeting miRNA offer a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To investigate the anticancer effects of oleuropein on human breast cancer cell lines (MCF7 and MDA-MB-231).
  • * To explore the impact of oleuropein on cell viability, apoptosis, and the expression of specific miRNAs and genes involved in cancer pathways.

Main Methods:

  • * Treatment of MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells with varying doses and durations of oleuropein.
  • * Assessment of cell viability and apoptosis.
  • * Quantitative analysis of miRNA and gene expression levels (e.g., miR-125b, p53, bcl-2).

Main Results:

  • * Oleuropein significantly reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
  • * Oleuropein altered the expression of key molecules, increasing tumor suppressor miRNAs (miR-125b, miR-16, miR-34a) and pro-apoptotic genes (p53, p21, TNFRS10B).
  • * Oleuropein decreased oncomiRs (miR-221, miR-29a, miR-21) and anti-apoptotic genes (bcl-2, mcl1).

Conclusions:

  • * Oleuropein exhibits significant anticancer properties against breast cancer cell lines.
  • * The mechanism involves the modulation of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic factors, as well as tumor suppressor miRNAs and oncomiRs.
  • * Oleuropein represents a promising, naturally derived agent for breast cancer therapy, potentially enhancing conventional treatments.
Keywords:
ApoptosisBreast cancerMicroRNAOleuropein

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