INVESTIGATING THE ANTICANCER EFFECT OF SHORT-CHAINED CERAMIDES ON BREAST CANCER CELLS

Abstract

Breast cancer remains among the most prevalent cancers in women worldwide, with hormone receptor–positive (HR-positive) subtypes such as MCF-7 cells representing a significant therapeutic challenge due to resistance to current therapies. Current studies have highlighted ceramides as being potent bioactive lipids with the potential to influence cell death pathways. The anticancer effect of short-chained C6-ceramide against HR-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells was investigated using a series of in vitro assays like MTS cell proliferation assay, morphological analysis, flow cytometric apoptosis analysis, and cell cycle analysis. The findings revealed that C6-ceramide exhibits a profound dose-dependent cytotoxicity with an IC₅₀ value of 7.512 μM. Flow cytometric and microscopic assays indicated extensive induction of early and late apoptosis most likely by the action of mitochondrial damage and increased levels of reactive oxygen species. Small cell cycle distribution impairment was also observed at higher concentrations. Such observations support that C6-ceramide shifts the rheostat balance to apoptosis more than cell cycle arrest. In summary, the research demonstrates the therapeutic potential of C6-ceramide as a novel drug for the treatment of breast cancer.