Abstract:

Crocin is a carotenoid compound obtained by drying the stigmas of the flower part of the saffron (Crocus sativus L.) plant. The present study determined the effects of crocin on cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines. The cytotoxicity of crocin in MCF-7 cells was analyzed by the MTT (3-4,5-dimethyl-thiazolyl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The LD50 dose of crocin in MCF-7 cells at daily exposure was determined as 1611 µg/mL, and the LD0 dose was determined as 20 µg/mL. In order to determine the effect of crocin on the antioxidant and inflammatory system in MCF-7 cells, four different experimental groups was formed. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, interferon (IFN) γ, interleukin 1 (IL1) β levels in cell lysates obtained from experimental groups were analyzed. In order to determine the effects of crocin on apoptosis, mRNA expression levels of apoptotic/antiapoptotic genes (p53, Bcl-2, TRAIL1, TRAIL2, Bax) were analyzed by the RT-PCR method. When the obtained data were evaluated, it was determined that crocin stimulated apoptosis in MCF-7 cells by increasing oxidative stress without affecting proinflammatory stock levels at LD0 and LD50 doses. Confirmation of the anticarcinogenic activity of crocin in MCF-7 cells, determined by cell culture studies, with models to be created in experimental animals may be helpful to explain the possible benefits of crocin in cancer treatment.

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