Sharareh Ahmadi - Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
Adel Saberivand - Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
Cyrus Jalili - Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
Reza Asadpour - Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
Monire Khordadmehr - Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
Maryam Saberivand - Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and deadly breast cancer sub-type with limited therapeutic options. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) exhibiting extensive anti-cancer activity is reported to be effective against TNBC; however, its anti-tumor effect mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-cancer activity of hydroalcoholic extract of dandelion (HADE) on ۴T۱ cells, and the mechanism of HADE-induced cell death. The effect of HADE on cell viability was assessed using ۳-(۴,۵-dimethylthiazol-۲-yl)-۲,۵-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and lactate dehydrogenase assays. Apoptotic cell death was monitored by flow cytometry. The DNA fragmentation was evaluated by Acridine orange/Ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining. Nitric oxide (NO) level was detected using Griess assay. The effects of HADE on Atg-۷, Beclin-۱, Bcl۲, Bax and p۵۳ genes were investigated by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that HADE inhibited cell growth and proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The HADE induced ۴T۱ breast cancer cell death via apoptosis and autophagy. The DNA fragmentation was improved as the concentration of HADE increased. The NO secretion was declined with increasing concentration of HADE. Gene expression analysis confirmed HADE-induced apoptosis and autophagy in cancer cells. The Bax, Bax/Bcl-۲ ratio, p۵۳, Beclin-۱ and Atg-۷ over-expression as well as Bcl-۲ down-regulation were also evident in treated cancer cells.

Apoptosis, autophagy, Breast cancer, Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale