(red pitaya), which has red-skinned fruits with white flesh, and (yellow pitaya), which has yellow skin, are the most commercialized and consumed [17]

(red pitaya), which has red-skinned fruits with white flesh, and (yellow pitaya), which has yellow skin, are the most commercialized and consumed [17]. effect was observed with MDA-MB-435 cells (ER?) after PE treatment. Taken together, the present study suggests that pitaya may have a protective effect against breast cancer. 1. Introduction Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer around the world [1], and it is Alimemazine hemitartrate a complex disease caused by progressive genetic mutations, associated with other factors [2]. Various complications, including deaths from the disease associated with breast cancer, are due to Alimemazine hemitartrate metastasis. The rates of metastasis and mortality in breast cancer patients have decreased because of early diagnosis by mammographic screening and the implementation of adjuvant therapy. Currently, breast cancer control primarily involves surgical procedures and radiotherapy and is often supported by adjuvant chemotherapy or hormone therapies. This disease is highly resistant to chemotherapy, and there is still no effective cure for patients with advanced stages of the disease, especially in cases of hormone-independent cancer [3]. Several evidences, supported by epidemiological studies, indicate that prolonged exposure to sex hormones is one of the well-defined risk factors for breast cancer [4, 5]. Despite the fact that the majority of breast cancers are ER+, and hormonal intervention is used to prevent disease recurrence and/or progression, the mechanisms through which estrogen contributes to malignant transformation of mammary epithelium are poorly understood. ER? tumors are associated with a worse short-term prognosis [6] and have weaker associations with reproductive risk factors [7] than ER+ tumors. Mutations in BRCA1 are associated with predisposition to ER? breast tumors, whereas most known common susceptibility loci for breast cancer show stronger associations with ER+ than with ER? tumors [8]. Carcinogenesis process results in the dysfunction of several regulatory features that keep the cells in check [9]. The balanced diet, with the diversified consumption of fruits and vegetables, exposes the body Alimemazine hemitartrate to several phenolic compounds. Over the last decade, these compounds have been widely studied and associated with benefits to human health. However, as there is a wide range of vegetables, species varieties, and differences in the compositions of these foods as well as the different localities of cultivation around the Alimemazine hemitartrate world, much research has yet to be done to elucidate the compounds present in these natural foods and their effective effects on the good health [10, 11]. Some reports support that the belief that components of food can affect the development of cancer in both beneficial and detrimental ways [12, 13]. Healthy lifestyle changes, including a better diet and regular exercise, can prevent up Rabbit Polyclonal to p47 phox to 40% of breast cancers [14]. The role of fresh fruits and vegetables is to help prevent or lessen the action of free radicals [15]. The pitaya is also known as the dragon fruit, since Alimemazine hemitartrate it has a bright red peel with overlapping green fins that cover the fruit, a fact that has gained popularity in different countries of the world [16]. (red pitaya), which has red-skinned fruits with white flesh, and (yellow pitaya), which has yellow skin, are the most commercialized and consumed [17]. Red dragon fruit ((estrogen receptor = 9). Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism statistical software (version 5.04, GraphPad software, San Diego, CA). The univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the Tukey posttest at a 95% confidence level was used to test cell viability, cell cycle, and apoptosis rate. 3. Results 3.1. Bioactive Properties of Red Pitaya Natural and synthetic antioxidants are widely used in modern medicine. In the comparison of the antioxidant assays, an important bioactive potential in pitaya (10?mg/mL) was identified in ORAC values (1079.70??75.20? 0.05) (Figure 1(a)). After 48?h, PE induced a higher inhibition of cell viability from the concentration of 2.5? 0.05), and the maximum inhibition was obtained with 1000? 0.05) (Figure 1(b)). Our data showed an important cell growth inhibition on MCF-7 cell after PE treatment (500? 0.05; ?? 0.01). Phase contrast microscopy of MCF-7 cells (treated for 48?h with 500 and 1000? 0.05). 3.2.2. Test of Colony Formation (CFU) The next step was to analyze the effect of PE on the clonogenic property of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435 cells. According to the literature, cell groups with fewer than 50 cells were not considered as colonies [27]. Our data showed that the clonogenic ability of MCF-7 cells was inhibited in the presence of PE (500 and 1000? 0.001) was used (Figure 2). No effect in colony formation was observed in MDA-MB-435 cell line after PE incubation. Open in a separate window Figure 2 Formation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435 colonies. The number of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435 colonies was determined.