The cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of fir extracts on MDA-MB-231 cells

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Advances in molecular biology and pharmacology have enabled a better understanding of breast cancer and providing the design of smater cancer-targeting therapeutics. Abies nordmanniana subsp. Bornmulleriana (Uludag fir) is located in the Western Black Sea Region, between Kizilirmak and Uludag. It is a first class forest tree and has 30-40 m height. The aim of this study is to evaluate the biological activities of fir extracts. Heartwood and sapwood extracts were tested for their anti-cancer properties. According to the MTT cell viability analysis, heartwood and sapwood extracts demonstrate cytotoxicity on triple-negative MDA_MB_231 breast cancer cells in a time and dose dependent manner. Both heartwood and sapwood extract treatments have increased Bax/Bcl-2 apoptotic gene expression ratio and stimulated apoptosis.