Effect of androgen on the proliferation and apoptosis of MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Objective To observe the effect of testosterone on the proliferation, apoptosis of MCF-7 breast cancer cells and investigate the mechanism. Methods MCF-7 cells were treated with testosterone at concentrations of 1×10~(-5),1×10~(-7),1 ×10~(-9),1×10~(-11) mol/L for 24,48 and 72 h respectively. Cell via-bility and growth inhibition rate of MCF-7 cells were assayed by MTr methods. Cell cycle, apoptosis rate and the expression of Cyclin D1, androgen receptor (AR) were detected by flow cytometry. Results High concentration testosterone could inhibit the proliferation of MCF-7 cells. After MCF-7 cells were treated with 1×10~(-5) mol/L testosterone for 48 h ,the cell growth inhibition rate was 22.21% ,and the apoptosis rate was (58.60±5.41 )%. High concentration testosterone could accelerate MCF-7 cell cycle progression from G_1 to S phases by increasing the expression of Cyclin D1 and decreasing the expression of AR. Low concentra-tion testosterone (1×10~(-9) mol/L) could increase the expression of AR, but had no effect on Cyclin D1, and it could promote MCF-7 cells proliferation in short time (24 h). Conclusion High concentration tes-tosterone can increase the expression of Cyclin D1 of MCF-7 cells and accelerate their cell cycle from G_1 to S phases,and then induce them to apoptosis in vitro. Low concentration testosterone can promote MCF-7 cells proliferation in short time. Key words: Androgen;  Breast carcinoma;  Proliferation;  Apoptosis