[Equol induced apoptosis of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell by inhibiting the expression of nuclear factor-kappaB].

Objective: To study the inhibition effect of equol on MDA-MB-231 cells, a human breast cancer cell line with estrogen-independent receptor.

Methods: Cultured MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with different contents of equol. The cell viability was assessed with MTT method. The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Western Blot was used to assess the expression of NF-kappaB.

Results: The growth of MDA-MB-231 cells was inhibited by equol in a does-and time-dependent manner. The apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells induced by equol was the result of inhibiting the expression of NF-kappaB.

Conclusion: The apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells might be the reduced expression of NF-kappaB induced by equol.