Effect of capecitabine and melatonin on HER2+ (SK-BR-3) and HER2- (MCF7) human breast cancer cell lines

Purpose: To determine the effect of melatonin in combination with capecitabine on proliferation and induction apoptosis MCF-7 SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell lines.Methods: The MTT assay (3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) was performed to investigate lines half-maximal concentration (IC50) index. Expression apoptotic markers, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3 were measured by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after treatment.Results: IC50 4.52 mM 619.36 μg/mL, 5.1 679.51 respectively. combined use significantly reduced IC50. Also, index (CI) values < 1, indicating that has a synergistic effect. results gene expression also showed enhancement Bax/Bcl-2 ratio melatonin-capecitabine compared alone both lines.Conclusion: Melatonin-capecitabine-induced death is controlled Bax/Bcl-2-dependent apoptosis. HER2+ HER2- cells.