Inhibition of Leptin and Leptin Receptor Gene Expression by Silibinin-Curcumin Combination

Leptin and its receptor are involved in breast carcinogenesis as mitogenic factors. Therefore, they could beconsidered as targets for breast cancer therapy. Expression of the leptin receptor gene could be modulated byleptin secretion. Silibinin and curcumin are herbal compounds with anti-cancer activity against breast cancer.The aim of this study was to assess their potential to inhibit of expression of the leptin gene and its receptor andleptin secretion. Cytotoxic effects of the two agents on combination on T47D breast cancer cells was investigatedby MTT assay test after 24h treatment. With different concentrations the levels of leptin, leptin receptor genesexpression were measured by reverse-transcription real-time PCR. Amount of secreted leptin in the culturemedium was determined by ELISA. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA test. The silibinin andcurcumin combination inhibited growth of T47D cells in a dose dependent manner. There were also significantdifference between control and treated cells in leptin expression and the quantity of secreted leptin with a relativedecrease in leptin receptor expression. In conclusion, these herbal compounds inhibit the expression and secretionof leptin and it could probably be used as drug candidates for breast cancer therapy through leptin targeting inthe future.