Artesunate Resistance in Breast Cancer Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Bachmeier Beatrice, Fichtner Iduna, Killian Peter H., Kronski Emanuel, Pfeffer Ulrich, Efferth Thomas
Primary Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
Hypothesis
Can artesunate induce resistance in breast cancer cells?
Conclusion
Artesunate induces resistance in highly metastatic breast cancer cells, leading to reduced apoptosis and increased expression of anti-apoptotic factors.
Supporting Evidence
- Artesunate treatment led to increased expression of anti-apoptotic bcl-2 and decreased expression of pro-apoptotic bax.
- Highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells showed resistance to artesunate, while less tumorigenic MDA-MB-468 cells did not.
- Activation of NFκB and AP-1 transcription factors was associated with the development of resistance.
Takeaway
This study found that a drug called artesunate, which is used to treat malaria, can make breast cancer cells stronger and less likely to die, which is not what we want.
Methodology
The study used in vitro and in vivo experiments to analyze the effects of artesunate on breast cancer cell lines and tumor growth in mice.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on two breast cancer cell lines and may not represent all breast cancer types.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website