Effects of Baneh (Pistacia atlantica) gum on Human Breast Cancer Cell Line (MCF-7) and Its Interaction with Anticancer Drug Doxorubicin

Pistacia atlantica is one of the species of Anacardiaceae that grows in the wild in different regions of Iran. Traditionally, anacardiaceae family has antibacterial, fungicidal and cytotoxic properties. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the possible cytotoxic and anti-proliferative properties of Baneh gum. Cytotoxicity of the plant gum was determined using MTT assay on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. The cellular makers of apoptosis (caspase3 and P53) and cell proliferation (Cyclin-D1) were evaluated by western blotting. Doxorubicin was used as anticancer control drug in combination treatment. The result showed that Baneh gum (100 µg/ml) significantly induced cell damage, activated caspase3 and increased P53 protein level. In addition, Cyclin-D1 was significantly decreased in gum-incubated cells. Furthermore, combination treatment of cells with Baneh gum (25 µg/ml) and doxorubicin (200 nM) produced a significant cytotoxic effect as compared to each drug alone. In conclusion, Baneh gum (100 µg/ml) has a potential pro-apoptotic/anti-proliferative property against human breast cancer cells and its combination with doxorubicin in low doses may induce cell death effectively and be a potent modality to treat this type of cancer.