Apoptotic efficiency of capecitabine and 5-fluorouracil on human cancer cells through TRPV1 channels

Abstract

The expression of transient receptor potential protein channels increases intensively colon and breast cancer cells. We aimed to reveal the role of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and capecitabine along with Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels in breast and colon cancer cells. Breast (MCF-7) and colon (Caco-2) cells were cultured and the study was planned as 7 main groups. Cells in the group were incubated with 5FU and capecitabine for 24 h and then incubated with TRPV1 channel antagonist capsazepine and stimulator capsaicin. The effects of medicines were investigated on molecular pathways of apoptosis. It was concluded that the administration of TRPV1 channel stimulator capsaicin in both cancer cells significantly increased the degree of intracellular Ca²⁺ levels and apoptosis levels compared to the control group whereas, the use of TRPV1 channel inhibitor capsazepine, significantly decreased the degree of apoptosis levels. The apoptotic effects of 5FU and capecitabine on both colon and breast cancer cells are directly related to TRPV1 channels and TRPV1 channels play an important role in the apoptosis. The apoptotic cell lines activity of capecitabine was higher in breast cancer cells, while that of 5FU was more pronounced in colon cancer cells.