Antiproliferative Effects of Cucurbitacin B in Breast Cancer Cells: Down-Regulation of the c-Myc/hTERT/Telomerase Pathway and Obstruction of the Cell Cycle
2010

Cucurbitacin B's Effects on Breast Cancer Cells

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Duangmano Suwit, Dakeng Sumana, Jiratchariyakul Weena, Suksamrarn Apichart, Smith Duncan R., Patmasiriwat Pimpicha

Primary Institution: Mahidol University

Hypothesis

Cucurbitacin B inhibits telomerase activity and affects cell cycle progression in breast cancer cells.

Conclusion

Cucurbitacin B inhibits growth and telomerase activity in breast cancer cells, particularly in estrogen receptor-negative SKBR-3 cells.

Supporting Evidence

  • Cucurbitacin B significantly inhibited cell growth in SKBR-3 and HBL-100 cells.
  • Telomerase activity was reduced in all tested breast cancer cell lines after treatment with cucurbitacin B.
  • SKBR-3 cells showed the greatest sensitivity to cucurbitacin B compared to other cell lines.

Takeaway

Cucurbitacin B, a substance from a Thai herb, helps stop breast cancer cells from growing by blocking a process that helps them divide.

Methodology

The study used cell viability assays, TRAP assays, and RT-PCR to assess the effects of cucurbitacin B on breast cancer cell lines.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on in vitro experiments, which may not fully represent in vivo conditions.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/ijms11125323

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