Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Usnic Acid in Breast Cancer

Abstract

cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. Usnic acid has anticancer and anti-inflammatory potential. In this study, we evaluated the effects of usnic acid on inflammation and oxidative stress in the breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression, cytokines, nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels and oxidative stress were measured in all groups. Our study showed that usnic acid was decreased NO, VEGF, PGE2 levels, gene expression levels of COX-2 and iNOS in the meantime cytokines (IL 2, CXCL 10, CXCL8, CCL2 (MCP-1), TNF-alpha, IL-6), glutathione levels, moreover decreased GSH and increased MDA levels in dose depended manner. According to our evidence usnic acid was showed potential cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and pro oxidant role.