The possible role of Androgen and selected natural chemicals effect on human breast cancer cells and the co-culture system

Abstract

The majority of Thai breast cancer patients had tumors that expresses the AR (80%). These tumors are mostly hormonal and HER-2 positive in nature. Expression of the AR in triple negative breast tumors are less common (33%). When compared with data from Western studies, the Thai patients show higher in AR expression and the ratio between hormonal/HER-2 responsive and triple negative breast tumors than Western patients. According to high expression of AR, we studied the role of androgens in breast cancer model. Our results demonstrate the use of a co-culture system of breast tumor cells and BAFs for anti-aromatase assays. Two main findings in our studies are first, that androgens can induce or reduce breast cancer cell growth, depending on the ability of conversion to estradiol by aromatase in the fibroblasts of breast tissue. On the other hand, non-aromatizable androgens (DHT) may inhibited proliferation of both hormone receptors, positive or triple negative breast cancers. Second, it shows that resveratrol, melatonin, and depsidones can inhibit hormonal positive breast cancer cell growth via the anti-aromatase activity. The results show the possibility of resveratrol, melatonin, and depsidones as new candidates for anti-aromatase agents to fight against hormonal positive breast cancer. Further research is needed for possible adverse effects of these compounds at dose levels that have been found to show AI properties.