Olive Oil's Bitter Principle Reverses Resistance to Trastuzumab in Breast Cancer Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Menendez Javier A, Vazquez-Martin Alejandro, Colomer Ramon, Brunet Joan, Carrasco-Pancorbo Alegria, García-Villalba Rocio, Fernandez-Gutierrez Alberto, Segura-Carretero Antonio
Primary Institution: Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO)-Health Services Division of Catalonia, Spain
Hypothesis
Can oleuropein aglycone from olive oil reverse acquired resistance to trastuzumab in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells?
Conclusion
Oleuropein aglycone can significantly enhance the effectiveness of trastuzumab in breast cancer cells that have developed resistance to the treatment.
Supporting Evidence
- HER2 gene-amplified SKBR3 cells were ~5-times more sensitive to oleuropein aglycone than HER2-negative MCF-7 cells.
- An up to 50-fold increase in the efficacy of trastuzumab occurred in the presence of oleuropein aglycone.
- Co-culturing trastuzumab-resistant cells with oleuropein aglycone completely restored trastuzumab sensitivity.
Takeaway
This study shows that a compound found in olive oil can help make breast cancer cells more sensitive to a common cancer drug.
Methodology
The study used various assays to evaluate the effects of olive oil phenolics on breast cancer cell viability and apoptosis, including MTT assays and ELISA.
Limitations
The study's findings are based on in vitro models, which may not fully represent in vivo conditions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 25–31 μM
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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