Effects of catechin and quercetin on MDA-MB 231 and l929 cell line

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women both in our country and in the world, which develops due to many internal and external factors. MDA-MB-231 cell line, which is a triple negative breast cancer type (TNBC), is frequently used in breast cancer studies. Catechin and quercetin are flavonoids that are highly recommended to be taken in the daily diet cause of their antioxidant and anticancer properties. In this study, the effects of catechin and quercetin on MDA-MB-231 and L929 cell lines were investigated by MTT, Komet and apoptosis assays. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, which are considered as a marker of oxidative stress, were measured. L929 cell line, consist of healthy fibroblast cells, was used as a control group. Catechin and quercetin were applied to MDA-MB-231 and L929 cell lines both separately and in combination. According to the MTT Test results, the LD50 value of catechin and quercetin in MDA-MB-231 cell line was 40 µM and 20 µM in combined application; LD50 value in L929 cell line was 60 µM in separate and combined applications. Komet test statistical data showed that there was a correlation between dose increase and DNA damage. Apoptosis test also showed that the number of apoptotic/necrotic cells increased with increasing doses. Spectrophotometric measurements showed that antioxidant enzyme activities decreased and MDA levels increased in parallel. Test results revealed that the effect of catechin and quercetin on cell lines increased with increasing concentrations. Both seperate and combined application of the active substances can eliminate breast cancer cells at much lower doses than healthy fibroblast cells.