Repurposing Antibiotics and B Vitamins: Exploring Cytotoxic Effects and Synergistic Interactions for Breast Cancer Treatment Cell line

Authors

  • Salwa M. El-Hallouty Pharmacognosy Department, National Research Centre, El Buhouth St., P.O. Box 12622, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.
  • Amr Nasrallah Biochemistry Department, Cairo University Research Park, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
  • Ahmed G. El-Basoussi Biotechnology Biomolecular Chemistry Program, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
  • Aya A. Mohamed Biotechnology Biomolecular Chemistry Program, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
  • Farah Y. Elboraei Biotechnology Biomolecular Chemistry Program, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
  • Eman M. El-qurashy Biotechnology Biomolecular Chemistry Program, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
  • Rawan M. Abbas Biotechnology Biomolecular Chemistry Program, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
  • M. Saadi El-tobgy Biotechnology Biomolecular Chemistry Program, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
  • Ahmed S. Fouad Biochemistry Department, National Research Centre, El Buhouth St., P.O. Box 12622, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.
  • Elham Mohamed Youssef Biochemistry Department, National Research Centre, El Buhouth St., P.O. Box 12622, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.

Keywords:

MCF-7, antibiotics, vitamin B, breast cancer, combination, 3D spheroid

Abstract

This study evaluated the potential of repurposing antibiotics and B vitamins for the treatment of breast cancer. Cytotoxicity assays were conducted on MCF-7 cells, and the promising combinations were further evaluated in a 3D model. In addition, the analysis of the gene expression of Bcl-2, P53, Caspase-3 and Bax was performed, as well as the evaluation of antioxidant properties. This comprehensive approach provides a valuable strategy for identifying potential anticancer drug candidates. Results demonstrated that norfloxacin, rifaximin, and B vitamins at a concentration of 100 ppm exhibited anticancer activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. This was accompanied by increased expression of p53 and Bax genes, while Bcl-2 gene expression was downregulated. These 
findings suggest that repurposing of antibiotics and B vitamins may offer promising therapeutic options for breast cancer. Future studies should focus on elucidating the mechanisms of action of these compounds and evaluating their efficacy and safety in preclinical and clinical trials. 

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Published

2024-09-20

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 03 (2024): JULY-SEPTEMBER 2024

Section

Articles

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Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.