The Effect of Progesterone on the Viability of MCF-7 Cell Line and Evaluation of Expression of P53, BAX and BCL-2 Genes

Background and Objectives: Researches have shown that progesterone influences the viability of breast cancer cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of progesterone on the viability of MCF-7 cell line and evaluation of Expression level of P53, Bax, and Bcl-2 Genes.   Methods: In this laboratory-experimental study, MCF-7 cells were purchased from Pasture institute and divided into control group and the group received progesterone in the concentrations of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10mg/mL. The viability of the cells was assessed using MTT assay. The relative expression level of P53, Bax, and Bcl-2 genes was investigated by Real Time PCR technique. Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and independent samples t-test.   Results: Exposure to 10mg/ml of progesterone resulted in decreased viability of MCF-7 cells compared to the control group (p<0.001). However, exposure to 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1mg/ml of progesterone did not significantly alter the viability of the MCF-7 cells, as compared to the control group. The expression level of P53 and Bax genes significantly increased in MCF-7 cells exposed to the concentration 2.5mg/ml of progesterone compared to the control group (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively), but, the expression level of Bcl-2 gene significantly decreased compared to the control group (p<0.001).   Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that high concentration of progesterone reduces the viability of MCF-7 cells and the cytotoxic effect of progesterone on MCF-7 cells is performed by induction of Bax dependent apoptosis and increased expression level of P53 tumor suppressor gene. Accordingly, progesterone is important in the treatment of breast cancer.