Effects of curcumin and its metal complexes on cell viability, apoptosis, and cell cycle phases in MCF-7 cells

Objective: To obtain metal complexes of curcumin and determine their effects on MCF-7 cell viability. Methods: We have first obtained Cu+2, Co+2, Zn+2 complexes of curcumin. We then compared their effects on MCF-7 cell viability and observed that Zn+2-curcumin complex was the most effective and safe one. Experiments were carried out with two different Zn+2-curcumin complexes (Zn-CUR-I and Zn-CUR-II) to further determine their effects on cell viability, apoptosis, and cell cycle phases. Results: The results of different metal-curcumin complexes showed that they had a significant effect on MCF-7 cell viability. We chose Zn+2-curcumin rather than Cu+2-curcumin or Co+2-curcumin since the latter metals might have toxic effects on healthy cells. Another Zn+2-curcumin complex (Zn-CUR-II) was prepared and the effects of the two Zn+2-curcumin complexes on MCF-7 cells were compared. Zn-CUR-II was much more effective than Zn-CUR-I in inducing apoptosis. There was no significant difference between the effects of the two complexes on cell cycle phases. Conclusion: Zn+2-curcumin complex (Zn-CUR-II) applied to MCF-7 cells induced apoptosis suggesting that it may be used as adjuvant therapeutic in breast cancer treatment.