Effect of Crocus sativus L. on Expression of VEGF-A and VEGFR-2 Genes (Angiogenic Biomarkers) in MCF-7 Cell Line

Background: Both in vivo and in vitro studies focused on anticancer effects of saffron. Angiogenesis, which is required for embryonic development and many physiological events play crucial role in many pathological conditions such as tumor growth. Two principal genes which involved in this process are VEGF-A and its main receptor VEGFR- 2. Effects of saffron on VEGF-A and VEGFR-2 gene expression were examined. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, saffron aqueous extract obtained by Soxhlet and lyophilized using freeze dryer. MCF-7 cells were grown in RPMI1640 medium supplemented with 10 fetal bovine serum and incubated at 37ºC with 5% CO2 . After 24 h of cell culture, their adhesion to the flasks investigated, then cells were treated by saffron extract at concentration of 100, 200, 400 and 800 μg/mL. Forty eight hours after treatment, total RNA extracted and cDNA was synthesized using sequence of target gene. Finally synthesized products analyzed by real time PCR to determine and compare expression level of VEGF-A and VEGFR-2. Results: Data analysis shows inhibitory effect of saffron extract in concentration 100, 200, 400 and 800 μg/mL on VEGF-A and VEGFR-2 gene expression in MCF-7 cell line in compare with control group. For VEGF-A, most reduction can be seen in the highest concentration of saffron extract (800 μg/mL) with 17% reduction on gene expression, while critical inhibitory effects on gene expression of VEGFR-2 was 20% in 400 μg/mL concentration. Conclusion: Results indicate a decrease in the expression of VEGF-A and VEGFR-2 as specific biomarkers of angiogenesis in the treated samples compared to controls.