Synergistic Growth Inhibitory Effects of Chrysin and Metformin Combination on Breast Cancer Cells through hTERT and Cyclin D1 Suppression

OBJECTIVE: To explore the possibility of a novel chemopreventive strategy for improving breast cancer treatment, the anticancer effects of a combination two natural compounds, Chrysin and Metformin, against T47D breast cancer cells were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After treatment of T47D cells with Metformin, Chrysin and the two drugs in combination, toxicity to cancer cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Real time PCR was then used to determine the expression levels of hTERT and cyclin D1 genes. RESULTS: The MTT test findings showed that the combination of metformin and chrysin had high synergistic effects in killing cancer cells. In addition PCR demonstrated a significant decrease in cyclin D1 and hTERT gene expression in the T47D breast cancer cell line. CONCLUSION: The conmbination of metformin and chrysin suppressing hTERT and cyclin D1 gene expression might offer an appropriate approach for breast cancer therapy.