Investigation of the anticancer effects of Lobaria pulmonaria on breast cancer cells, including antiproliferative effects, apoptosis induction, and cytoskeletal damage

Abstract

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women. Natural compounds play an important role in the prevention of breast cancer. In this study, the anticancer properties of Lobaria pulmonaria were investigated. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using MTT test, apoptotic cell percentages were determined by AnnexinV/PI assay, protein levels of BCL2, CASP3 and P53 were measured by western blot. Additionally, F-actin levels were analyzed using Immunofluorescence staining. It was determined that L. pulmonaria reduced the viability of MCF7 cells. While the percentage of apoptotic cells did not change, the percentage of non-apoptotic cell death increased. Moreover, there were no significant changes in BCL2, CASP3, and P53 protein levels, nor in the amount of F-actin. In conclusion, L. pulmonaria did not induce apoptosis in MCF7 breast cancer cells but appeared to trigger a non-apoptotic cell death pathway, such as necrosis.