Anti-angiogenesis effect of crocous sativus L. extract on matrix metalloproteinase gene activities in human breast carcinoma cells

Introduction: There is an interest in Crocous sativus L. (Saffron) mainly because of its biological properties. Biomedical research has focused on saffron as a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor, but its mechanism has not yet been thoroughly clarified. In this study, the effects of saffron aqua extract on matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) gene expression were investigated. Methods: In this experimental study, the saffron was extracted using water as solvent. MCF-۷ cells in RPMI۱۶۴۰ medium were supplemented with ۱۰% FBS and incubated at ۳۷ ˚C with ۵% CO۲. After ۲۴ h, the cells were treated by saffron extract at concentrations of ۱۰۰, ۲۰۰, ۴۰۰ and ۸۰۰ μg/ml. ۴۸ h after treatment, total RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized using specific primer. Synthesized products were analyzed by Real Time PCR to determine expression level of MMP. Results: Data analysis showed inhibitory effect of saffron at concentrations of ۱۰۰ to ۸۰۰ μg/ml on MMP gene expression in comparison with control group. Reduction for ۱۰۰, ۲۰۰, ۴۰۰ and ۸۰۰ μg/ml were ۵%, ۱۸%, ۱۵%, ۱۱%, respectively. According to data analysis treating MCF-۷ cells with saffron at concentration of ۲۰۰ μg/ml caused the highest decrease, with ۱۸% reduction in gene expression (P<۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: Results indicate decrease in the expression of MMP compared with controls revealing induction of inhibitory effects of saffron on angiogenesis which might be also considered as a promising chemotherapeutic agent in breast cancer treatment.