Molecular and Anticancer Effects of β-Carotene on the Apoptotic Pathway via Regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line

Majidi, Amineh; Ghorbian , Saeid; Roshanravan , Neda

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Volume 33, Issue 5 (11-2025)

Journal of Ilam University of Medical Sciences 2025, 33(5): 146-159

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Molecular and Anticancer Effects of β-Carotene on the Apoptotic Pathway via Regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line

Amineh Majidi¹

, Saeid Ghorbian ^*²

, Neda Roshanravan³

1- Dept of Biology, Ah.C, Islamic Azad University, Ahar, Iran
2- Dept of Biology, Ta.C, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran , ghorbian20@gmail.com
3- Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract: (33 Views)

Introduction: Breast cancer stands out as the top cancer type and a major reason for cancer deaths in women around the world. New studies point to β-carotene having possible healing impacts on this cancer. This work focused on checking how β-carotene affects cell death through changes in BAX and BCL2 gene levels in the MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Materials & Methods: We grew MCF-7 cells and exposed them to different amounts of β-carotene. To measure cell survival and damage, we used the MTT test. For cell growth checks, we applied the trypan blue exclusion approach. Once we pulled out RNA and made cDNA from it, we measured BAX and BCL2 levels with real-time PCR. This helped us look into the ways apoptosis works at a molecular level.
Results: Treatment with β-carotene cut down cell survival a lot, and it did so based on the dose given. It boosted BAX gene activity, lowered BCL2 activity, and triggered cell death in MCF-7 cells. Normal HFF-2 fibroblast cells showed no real damage or death from it. The impact on breast cancer cells depended on both dose and time passed. IC50 values differed a lot at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours, with p values under 0.01. Even small amounts of β-carotene started apoptosis in those MCF-7 cells.e started apoptosis in those MCF-7 cells.
Conclusion: β-carotene triggered cell death just in breast cancer cells, depending on dose and time. It barely harmed normal cells at all. This points to β-carotene working well as a treatment option for breast cancer down the line.

Keywords: Breast cancer, MCF-7 cell line, β-carotene, BAX, BCL2

Full-Text [PDF 1218 kb] (20 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research | Subject: Molecular Genetics
Received: 2025/07/26 | Accepted: 2025/10/5 | Published: 2025/11/26

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Majidi A, Ghorbian S, Roshanravan N. Molecular and Anticancer Effects of β-Carotene on the Apoptotic Pathway via Regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line. J. Ilam Uni. Med. Sci. 2025; 33 (5) :146-159
URL: http://sjimu.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-8683-en.html

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