Investigation of the cytotoxic effects of benzofuran substitute chalcone derivatives on human breast cancer cells

Cancer is a complex disease that causes uncontrolled division and proliferation of cells by genetic and environmental conditions. Among women worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cancer with the highest mortality rate after lung cancer. Despite the recent development of new treatments for breast cancer, it is still not satisfactory. Therefore, new approaches should be developed for breast cancer patients. Herbal natural compounds are important in the treatment of cancer. Chalcohol derivatives are aromatic compounds which are abundant in nature. In recent research, has shown chalcone derivatives have many biological activities and promising in the treatment of cancer. Therefore, in this thesis, the anti-cancer effects of two benzofuran substituted chalcone derivatives (Complex 1 and Complex 2) which were synthesized and characterized were investigated in human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). The effect of complexes on cell viability was determined by SRB viability tests for 24, 48 and 72 hours. Cytotoxicity responses were confirmed by ATP viability test for 48 and 72 hours. Cytotoxic activity of complexes was also evaluated in healthy human cell line BEAS-2B cells. Fluorescent staining (Hoechst 33342 and PI) was used for to determine cell death responsible the cytotoxic effects of chalcone derivatives. The effects of complexes on wound healing were investigated in the MDA-MB-231 cell line. As a result, It has been identified benzofuran substituted chalcone derivatives inhibit cell growth time and dose dependent manner in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. In addition, it has been found that complexes induce apoptosis in cells and cause a decrease in migration ability. According to the results, it was concluded that benzofuran substituted chalcone derivatives can be an effective agent in the treatment of breast cancer and further analysis should be performed.