Effects of matcha tea extract on cell viability and estrogen receptor β expression on MCF7 breast cancer cells

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: In the following work, we investigated the effect of matcha green tea extract (MTE) on MCF-7 breast cancer cell viability and estrogen receptor beta expression (ERβ). Methods: MCF-7 cells were stimulated with MTE at concentrations of 5 and 10 µg/ml. Cell viability was assessed using a WST-1 assay after an incubation time of 72 h. ERβ was quantified at gene level by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A western blot (WB) was carried out for the qualitative assessment of the expression behavior of on a protein level. Results: The WST-1 test showed a significant inhibition of viability in MFC-7 cells after 72 h at 10 µg/ml. The WB demonstrated a significant quantitative decrease of ERβ at protein level with MTE concentrations of 10 µg/ml. In contrast the PCR did not result in significant downregulation of ERβ. Conclusion: MTE decreases the cell viability of MCF-7 cells and furthermore leads to a decrease of ERβ at protein level.