Inhibitory Effects of Schisandra chinensis Seed Extracts on Breast Cancer

초록

Objectives: Schisandra chinensis (Omija) is known for its anticancer and antioxidant properties, but the mechanisms behind its anticancer effects are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory mechanisms of Schisandra chinensis seed extracts (SCSE) on ER-positive human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) at the protein level. Methods: MCF-7 cells were treated with SCSE at 25, 50, or 100 ppm for 24 hours, and cell viability was measured by the WST assay. The effects on cell proliferation and caspase activation (Caspase-3, Caspase-7, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9) were analyzed using Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining and Western blotting. Changes in Survivin and XIAP expression were examined to explore intrinsic apoptosis, and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was measured to assess mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Nitric oxide levels and the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway (ERK1/2 and JNK) were also investigated. Results: Treatment with 100 ppm SCSE significantly increased apoptosis in MCF-7 cells by over 50%. Annexin V/PI and Western blotting confirmed cell proliferation inhibition and caspase activation. SCSE treatment decreased Survivin and XIAP expression, indicating intrinsic apoptosis. The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio increased, further supporting mitochondrial apoptosis. Nitric oxide elevation contributed to reduced cell survival and induced apoptosis, potentially through MAPK pathway activation. Conclusion: These results suggest that SCSE induces apoptosis and inhibits breast cancer cell growth, involving both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways, caspase activation, and MAPK signaling.

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