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

Abstract

PURPOSE:

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

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Cell viability was assessed by using MTT assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was measured using 2', 7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetste (DCFDA) by fluorescence plate reader. DNA fragmentation was assessed by 1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS:

TNFalpah and TAM showed significant dose- and time- dependent inhibitory effects on the growth of MCF-7 human cells. However, the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells were not inhibited by TNFalpha or TAM treatment. The generation of ROS was increased in dose-and time-dependent manner by TNFalpha treatment in MCF-7 cells. Polyamines, especially spermine suppressed TNFalpha-induced ROS generation in MCF-7 cells. Antioxidant effects of polyamines were also demonstrated by DNA fragmentation, cell morphology as well as ROS generation assay. Polyamines also blocked TAM-induced cell death in MCF-7 cell. However, MDA-MB-231 cells showed resistance to the cytotoxic effects of TNFalpha or TAM.

CONCLUSION:

These results suggest that polyamines may prevent TNFalpha or TAM-induced apoptosis in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.

• Authors: J Y Kim, K Y Kim, K H Lee, K W Hong, B G Kim
• Journal: Cancer research and treatment (Cancer Res Treat) Vol. 33 Issue 5 Pg. 385-91 (Oct 2001) ISSN: 1598-2998 [Print] Korea (South)
• PMID: 26680812 (Publication Type: Journal Article)