The detection of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel apoptotic effects using AgNOR staining in MDA-MB-231

In present study, it was purposed to determine the in vitro effect of the extract obtained from the pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel on the breast cancer cell line. MDA-MB-231 cells were exposed to pomegranate peel extract (PoPx) at 37 °C and 5% CO₂ for varying durations (24 and 48 h) and doses (25 and 50 μg/mL). At the end of the incubation periods, argyrophilic nucleolus organizer regions (AgNOR) protein status, cell viability/apoptosis and cell cycle of MDA-MB-231 cells were examined in the Muse Cell Analyzer device. Cell viability was observed to be decreased when the groups treated with PoPx were compared with the control group. The group in which apoptosis was observed with the highest value was 50 μg/mL PoPx group (p < 0.05). In the cell cycle test, the number of cells in the G0/G1 stage was found to be significantly higher in the 25 μg/mL PoPx group compared to the control and 50 μg/mL PoPx groups at the end of the 24-h incubation period (p < 0.05) The results also supported cell cycle and apoptosis, and at the end of 24 h, Total AgNOR area(TAA)/Total nuclear area (NA) ratio and AgNOR numbered decreased on the 50 μg/mL PoPx group and were found to be statistically significant compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Consequently, it was determined that PoPx increased apoptosis on breast cancer cells by various mechanisms and inhibited cell viability/cell growth. This study showed that the widespread consumption of PoPx may be effective in preventing cancer formation and slowing its progression.