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

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.

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.

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 (P<0.05), and the expression of Bcl2 mRNA was decreased (P<0.05). Also, the Western blotting revealed Sod1 protein level markedly increased following exposure to VOSO4 (P<0.05).

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.