Exploring the therapeutic potential of naringin and melatonin in breast cancer: A focus on SKBR3 and MCF-7 cell lines

Introduction: Breast cancer is a significant global health issue, particularly in women, and is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Iran. This study investigates the anticancer effects of naringin and melatonin on SKBR3 (HER2+) and MCF-7 (HER2-) breast cancer cell lines. Methods: Cell viability and cytotoxicity were assessed using the MTT assay, which measures the reduction of MTT to formazan by mitochondrial dehydrogenase enzymes in viable cells. Cells were treated with various concentrations of naringin and melatonin. Antioxidant enzyme activities of SOD and LDH were measured, and lipid peroxidation was assessed by MDA levels. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and GraphPad Prism software, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Both compounds showed a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability and increased cell death in both cell lines. Naringin significantly decreased SOD activity while increasing LDH activity and MDA levels. Similarly, melatonin treatment led to increased cell death, elevated MDA levels, and higher LDH activity, coupled with a decrease in SOD activity. Conclusion: The findings indicate that naringin and melatonin have potent anticancer properties. Their ability to induce oxidative stress and modulate antioxidant defenses suggests their potential as therapeutic agents in breast cancer treatment. Further research and clinical applications are warranted to explore their efficacy in combating breast cancer. Both compounds exhibit significant anticancer properties against breast cancer cell lines, SKBR3 and MCF-7, making them promising candidates for further study.