Evaluation of anti-cancer effects and molecular mechanisms of pomegranate peel extract in mouse cellular model (4T1) of breast cancer

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common women cancer that despite recent progress, its existing therapies have not sufficient efficiency and scientists are trying to find complementary therapies. Medicinal plants such as pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) are attracted lots of attention. Objectives: In the present study, in addition to assessing the anticancer effects of pomegranate peel alcoholic extract (PPE) in mouse cellular model (4T1) of breast cancer, the related molecular mechanism of anti-proliferative effects of the extract was studied through the evaluation of the expression level of apoptosis genes (Bax and Bcl2). Methods: To this end, after the preparation of PPE, evaluation of the cellular cytotoxicity was done with the MTT test. According to the MTT test, cells were treated for 24 hours with selective doses of the extract. Then, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and gene expression analysis of Bax and Bcl with Real-time PCR were performed. Results: The results showed that PPE reduced the cancer cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Results of molecular analysis indicated that observed cell death could be due to an increase in the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Conclusions: Overall, PPE can be proposed as a potential complementary therapy for breast cancer. However, more studies on animal models and clinical trials are needed to verify the clinical usage of such complementary drugs