Effect of saffron extract on VEGF-A expression in MCF7 cell line

Background: Various studies have focused on the anticancer effects of saffron. Angiogenesis or new blood vessel formation, which is required for embryonic development and many physiological events, plays a crucial role in many pathological conditions such as tumor growth. One of the main genes which is involved in the process of angiogenesis is VEGF-A. In this in vitro study, the effects of saffron extract on VEGF-A expression were examined.

Methods: In this experimental study, the saffron extract was obtained by Soxhlet extractor and then the powder was frozen and dried in vacuum (lyophilisation) using a freeze dryer. MCF7 cells were grown in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) and incubated at 37˚C with 5% CO2. After 24 h of cell culture, their adhesion to the bottom flasks was investigated, then, they were treated by the aqueous extract of saffron at concentrations of 100, 200, 400 and 800 µg/ml.  48 hours after treatment, total RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized using the sequence of target gene. Finally, the synthesized products were analysed by Real Time PCR to determine the expression level of VEGF-A.

Results: The results of data analysis showed the inhibitory effect of saffron extract in concentrations of 100, 200, 400 and 800 µg/ml on VEGF-A expression in MCF7 cells in comparison with control group, indicating the highest reduction of gen expression for the highest concentration of saffron extract (800 µg/ml).

Conclusion: Results indicated a decrease in the expression of VEGF-A, specific biomarker of angiogenesis, in the treated samples compared to the control group.