Imperatorin Attenuates the Proliferation of MCF-7 Cells in Combination with Radiotherapy or Hyperthermia

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common types of malignancies in the world. Cancer resistance is an unavoidable consequence of therapy with radiation or other modalities. On-going research aims to improve cancer response to therapy. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible sensitization effect of imperatorin (IMP) in combination with external radiotherapy (ERT) or HT. Method: After treatment of MCF-7 breast cancer cells with IMP, cells were exposed to 4 Gy X-rays or HT (42 °C for 1 hour). The viability of MCF-7 cells was measured using an MTT assay. Further-more, the expression of pro-apoptotic genes, including Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9, was investigated using real-time PCR. The sensitizing effect of IMP in combination with ERT or HT was calculated and compared to ERT or HT alone. Results: Results showed an increase in the expression of pro-apoptotic genes and downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 following ERT and HT. Furthermore, cell viability was reduced following these treatments. IMP was able to augment these effects of ERT and HT. Conclusion: IMP could increase the efficiency of HT and ERT. This effect of IMP may suggest it as an adjuvant for increasing the therapeutic efficiency of ERT.