Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2025
High-Throughput In Vitro Assay using Patient-Derived Tumor Organoids
Published on: June 14, 2021
In vitro evaluation of dioscin and protodioscin against ER-positive and triple-negative breast cancer
Najat Bouchmaa1,2, Reda Ben Mrid2,3, Youssef Bouargalne3
1Faculty of Science and Technology, Team of Experimental Oncology and Natural Substances, Cellular and Molecular Immuno-Pharmacology, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni-Mellal, Morocco.
Abstract:
Women's breast cancer is one of the most significant healthcare issues for the human race that demands a proactive strategy for a cure. In this study, the cytotoxic activity (MTT assay) of two natural steroidal compounds, protodioscin and dioscin, against two major subtypes of human breast cancer estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive)/MCF-7 and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)/MDA-MB-468), was assessed. The clonogenic capacity was evaluated using the clonogenic assay. Oxidative stress was determined by measuring the formation of malondialdehyde and H2O2 and the assessment of total antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GPx, GR, and TrxR). Protodioscin and dioscin were highly cytotoxic against the tested cell lines (1.53 μM
Insights
Protodioscin and dioscin show potent cytotoxicity against estrogen receptor-positive and triple-negative breast cancer cells. These natural compounds reduce cancer cell growth and motility by inducing oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Breast cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represent distinct and aggressive subtypes.
- Natural compounds offer a promising avenue for developing new anti-cancer agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of protodioscin and dioscin on ER-positive (MCF-7) and TNBC (MDA-MB-468) human breast cancer cell lines.
- To investigate the impact of these compounds on cancer cell clonogenic capacity, motility, and oxidative stress.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer activity of protodioscin and dioscin.
Main Methods:
- Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay.
- Clonogenic capacity was evaluated via clonogenic assays.
- Oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, H2O2) and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GPx, GR, TrxR) were measured.
Main Results:
- Protodioscin and dioscin exhibited high cytotoxicity against both breast cancer cell lines (IC50 values between 1.53 μM and 6 μM) with minimal toxicity to normal cells (PBMC; IC50 ≥ 50 μM).
- Both compounds significantly reduced the clonogenic capacity of cancer cells.
- Dioscin demonstrated a reduction in cell motility in MDA-MB-468 cells, and both compounds increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) while decreasing glutathione reductase and thioredoxin reductase activity.
Conclusions:
- Protodioscin and dioscin are effective cytotoxic agents against ER-positive and TNBC cell lines.
- These natural compounds exert anti-cancer effects by inducing oxidative stress and inhibiting key enzymes.
- Protodioscin and dioscin represent potential therapeutic candidates for breast cancer treatment, particularly for TNBC.
