Molecular insights into the anticancer activity of Vitis vinifera extracts in breast cancer cells

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is a common cancer among females around the world. There are few treatment options for breast cancer along with high costs and side effects. Low survival rate, especially in advanced stages, demands the discovery of new therapeutic compounds. Purpose of this work was to uncover the effects of grapes (Vitis vinifera) extract on cell survival and expressional levels of cell cycle genes in the breast cancer cells. Methods: Toxic effects of the extracts were identified against human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). Cell survival was identified by a colorimetric assay. Expressional modulation of genes (CCND1, CCND2 and CDKN1A) were identified by via real time PCR chemistry. Cells grown in parallel without treatment were used as controls. Results: The results indicated that the extracts showed antiproliferative effect against breast cancer cells. Real time PCR data showed potential of the extracts to modulate expression of cell cycle related genes (CCND1, CCND2 and CDKN1A) in MCF-7 cells. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to investigate potential of grapes extracts as therapeutic compound against breast cancer.