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Auranofin, an Anti-Rheumatic Gold Compound, Modulates Apoptosis by Elevating the Intracellular Calcium Concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

Auranofin, a transition metal complex is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis but is also an effective anti-cancer drug. We investigate the effects of Auranofin in inducing cell death by apoptosis and whether these changes are correlated to changes of intracellular calcium concentration ([...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Varghese, Elizabeth, Büsselberg, Dietrich
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: MDPI 2014
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4276964/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25383481
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/cancers6042243
Descripción
Sumario:Auranofin, a transition metal complex is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis but is also an effective anti-cancer drug. We investigate the effects of Auranofin in inducing cell death by apoptosis and whether these changes are correlated to changes of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Cytotoxicity of Auranofin was evaluated using MTS assay and the Trypan blue dye exclusion method. With fluorescent dyes SR-FLICA and 7-AAD apoptotic death and necrotic death were differentiated by Flow cytometry. A concentration dependent decrease in the viability occurred and cells were shifted to the apoptotic phase. Intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) was recorded using florescence microscopy and a calcium sensitive dye (Fluo-4 AM) with a strong negative correlation (r = −0.713) to viability. Pharmacological modulators 2-APB (50 μM), Nimodipine (10 μM), Caffeine (10 mM), SKF 96365(20 μM) were used to modify calcium entry and release. Auranofin induced a sustained increase of [Ca(2+)](i) in a concentration and time dependent manner. The use of different blockers of calcium channels did not reveal the source for the rise of [Ca(2+)](i). Overall, elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) by Auranofin might be crucial for triggering Ca(2+)-dependent apoptotic pathways. Therefore, in anti-cancer therapy, modulating [Ca(2+)](i) should be considered as a crucial factor for the induction of cell death in cancer cells.