The in vitro radiosensitizer potential of resveratrol on MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Radiation therapy is commonly applied in breast cancer (BC) patients. However, radioresistance and side effects are limiting factors of this practice. Therefore, studying substances that can enhance the radiation effect and, at the same time, protect normal cells is very relevant. Thus, the aim of this work was to assess the radiosensitizer effect of resveratrol (RV) on BC cells (MCF-7). A high cytotoxic and antiproliferative effect was observed in the treatment with 10 mu M of RV + 3 Gy ionizing radiation (IR). Our results indicate that, 24 h after the exposition of cell cultures to RV + IR, an induction of necrosis/senescence has occurred. Furthermore, was observed the activation of extrinsic apoptosis pathway through a decrease of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and a high activity of caspase 8. Moreover, our data show that this treatment affected the oxidative cell metabolism, increasing oxidative protein, lipid and membrane damage and also acted to decrease the antioxidant enzymes activity. The antiproliferative effect on 72 h cultures may be associated with a high expression of p53 and an interruption of cell cycle in the S phase. Therefore, our results suggest that RV is a potential radiosensitizer of MCF-7 BC cells.