Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effects of Vanadyl Sulfate on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line.

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the major cause of cancer-related death in women. Some studies have indicated the cytotoxic effects of vanadyl oxide sulfate (VOSO4). This study aimed to evaluate the anti-cancer effect of VOSO4 in the treatment of MCF-7 cell lines.

Materials and methods: The MCF-7 cell line was treated with different concentrations of VOSO4 for 24 and 48 hours. Cell death was measured using the MTT assay. The cell apoptosis rate was measured using Annexin V/Propidium Iodide assay through flow cytometry. Also, the expression levels of p53, P21, Caspase8, superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1), Sod2, and Bcl2 mRNAs were assessed, and Western blotting was performed for Sod1 protein.

Results: The results showed that the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for VOSO4 was 25 and 20 μg/ml for 24 and 48 hours, respectively. Indeed, VOSO4 has dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on the MCF-7. Also, after exposure to VOSO4 for 24 hours, cell apoptosis reached 52% compared with untreated cells. Moreover, after 24 hours of exposure to VOSO4 with IC50 concentration, the expression of p53, P21, Caspase8, Sod1, and Sod2 mRNAs increased (P0.05), and the expression of Bcl2 mRNA was decreased (P0.05). Also, the Western blotting revealed Sod1 protein level markedly increased following exposure to VOSO4 (P0.05).

Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that VOSO4 has an apoptotic and cytotoxic effect on BC cells. Therefore, it could be considered a complementary agent for the medical treatment of patients with BC.