β-Carotene (Provitamin A), a carotenoid compound, is a naturally-occurring vitamin A precursor. β-Carotene is a modulator of reactive oxygen species (ROS), with antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities. It may serve as an antioxidant or as a prooxidant, depending on its intrinsic properties as well as on the redox potential of the biological environment in which it acts. It induces breast cancer cells apoptosis, with anticancer activities.
- Up-regulates PPAR-γ expression and ROS production in MCF-7 cancer cells.
- Decreases the survival of MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner.
- Enhances the expression levels of PPAR-γ mRNA and protein in a time-dependent manner.
- Down-regulates the COX-2 but up-regulates the p21 mRNA level and protein expression.
- Increases the percentage of early apoptosis.
- Induces cytochrome C release.