Insights into the Behavior of Triple-Negative MDA-MB-231 Breast Carcinoma Cells Following the Treatment with 17β-Ethinylestradiol and Levonorgestrel

Oral contraceptives (OCs) are widely used due to their efficiency in preventing unplanned pregnancies and treating several human illnesses. Despite their medical value, the toxicity of OCs remains a public concern. Previous studies indicate the carcinogenic potential of synthetic sex hormones and their link to the development and progression of hormone-dependent malignancies such as breast cancer. However, little is known about their influence on the evolution of triple-negative breast carcinoma (TNBC), a malignancy defined by the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. This study reveals that the active ingredients of modern OCs, 17 beta-Ethinylestradiol, Levonorgestrel, and their combination induce differential effects in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells. The most relevant behavioral changes occurred after the 24 h treatment with 17 beta-Ethinylestradiol, summarized as follows: (i) decreased cell viability (64.32% at 10 mu M); (ii) cell roundness and loss of confluence; (iii) apoptotic aspect of cell nuclei (fragmentation, membrane blebbing); and (iv) inhibited cell migration, suggesting a potential anticancer effect. Conversely, Levonorgestrel was generally associated with a proliferative activity. The association of the two OCs exerted similar effects as 17 beta-Ethinylestradiol but was less effective. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the hormones' cytotoxic mechanism of action on TNBC cells.

Automated summary

Translate: Oral contraceptives (OCs) are widely used for preventing unplanned pregnancies and treating human diseases. Despite their medical benefits, concerns about their toxicity, particularly their potential link to hormone-dependent malignancies such as breast cancer, have been raised. This study found that the active ingredients in modern OCs, 17 beta-Ethinylestradiol and Levonorgestrel, have differential effects on TNBC cells, with 17 beta-Ethinylestradiol showing potential anticancer effects and Levonorgestrel having proliferative effects. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of action of these hormones on TNBC cells.