Synergistic Effects of Mefenamic acid and Phenylalanine on the Growth of MCF-7 cancer cell line

Introduction: Breast cancer is the second cause of death from cancer, after lung cancer in women. Most breast cancers originate from the milk ducts. Due to the importance of cancer, the cytotoxic effects of mefenamic acid and phenylalanine on the growth of MCF-7 cells were investigated.

Methods: In this experimental study, MCF-7 cells were first cultured. Then different concentrations of mefenamic acid and phenylalanine were treated for 24, 48 and 72 hours. The cytotoxicity of this drug was measured by MTT colorimetric method. DNA electrophoresis of treated cells and Hoechst staining were also used to investigate the occurrence of apoptosis.

Findings: MTT test showed that mefenamic acid and phenylalanine amino acid decreased the growth of MCF-7 cells and the greatest effect was in 72 hours after treatment. Also, based on the data of compusyn software, the two compounds of mefenamic acid and phenylalanine in all concentrations in the combined drug synergistically decreased the growth of cells. The results of DNA electrophoresis and Hoechst33342 staining indicated the occurrence of apoptosis in the treated cells.

Conclusion: The effects of the combined drug were greater than the effect of each combination alone, so the combined drug can be used as an effective option for the treatment of metastatic ductal carcinoma.