Proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of breast cancer MCF-7 cells under the influence of colchicine.

PURPOSE This study was designed to explore the effect of colchicine on the proliferation and apoptosis of Breast Cancer Michigan Cancer Foundation - 7 (MCF-7) cells. METHODS The experiment was conducted at the University Laboratory of East Provincial Hospital in April, 2015. The first inhibitory effect of colchicine on breast cancer MCF-7 cells was observed by MTT (3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-diphenytetrazoliumromide) assay, and then the effect of colchicine on apoptosis of breast cancer MCF-7 cells was measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS The colchicine's inhibitory effect on breast cancer MCF-7 cells gradually increased with increasing concentration and longer exposure time. Breast cancer MCF-7 cells showed different levels of apoptosis with different colchicine concentrations at 24th, 48th and 72nd hrs, and the apoptosis rate tended to be higher with increasing concentration and prolonged exposure time. CONCLUSION All the findings suggest that colchicine is able to inhibit proliferation of breast cancer MCF-7 cells and induce cell apoptosis, and the intensity of the effect was associated with dosage and time.