Antiproliferative and apoptotic effect of Pleurotus ostreatus on human mammary carcinoma cell line (michigan cancer foundation-7)

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the antiproliferative and apoptotic effect of Pleurotus ostreatus ethanolic extract (POEet) on human mammary carcinoma cell line (Michigan cancer foundation-7 [MCF-7]). Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed to isolate and quantify the active constituent of POEet chloroform fraction. Cytotoxic property of POEet on MCF-7 and Vero cells was investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. We further evaluated the apoptotic effect by measuring the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), dual staining (acridine orange/ethidium bromide), comet assay, DNA fragmentation, and oxidant/antioxidant status in MCF-7 cells treated with and without POEet. Results: GC-MS analysis identified 30 phytochemical constituents from the POEet chloroform fraction. MTT assay revealed a greater degree of cytotoxicity at almost all doses of POEet, with IC30 value (164.59 µg/mL) and IC50 value (1024.02 µg/mL) greatly inhibiting the cell growth. In addition, POEet could modulate the levels of oxidant/antioxidant status and induce a potent loss mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA damage, and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a potent anticancer property of P. ostreatus against human mammary carcinoma cells which might be of value in nutraceutical industry. Further investigations are essential to establish it as a treatment against breast cancer.