Inhibitory Effects of Crude and Filtered Extracts from Oral Disk of Sea Anemone (<i>Stichodactyla haddoni</i>) on MCF-7 Cell Line

Abstract

Background: Sea anemones are toxic sedentary invertebrates that are often present in the intertidal zone. Objectives: In this study, cytotoxic effects of the crude extract and its fractions from the oral disk of Stichodactyla haddoni on breast cancer cell line MCF-7 were investigated. Methods: Samples were collected from the intertidal zone in the Persian Gulf. Phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and Millipore filters were used to prepare the crude extract and its fractions, respectively. MCF-7 cells were exposed to the crude extract or one of its five fractions, (with molecular weights < 3 kDa to > 100 kDa) at concentrations of 200 to 1400 μg/mL for 24 to 48 hours. Results: All treatments inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cancer cells. The highest inhibitory effect belonged to fractions 2 and 5, with 85 and 81.3% lethality, respectively. These fractions with the concentration of 1200 and 1400 μg/mL had the most anticancer effects against MCF-7. Conclusions: The 1200 μg/mL concentration of fraction 5 containing peptides < 3 kDa is recommended for separation and purification of its components for pharmacological studies to control breast cancer.