Investigating the Impact of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) on Cell Viability, Apoptosis, and Oxidative Stress in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells

Melissa Mejia

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: Hennings College of Science Mathematics and Technology

Major: BS.BIO/CELL/MOLEC

Faculty Research Mentor: Ross, Donald  

Abstract:

Title: Investigating the Impact of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) on Cell Viability, Apoptosis, and Oxidative Stress in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer CellsAuthor: Melissa Mejia, Department of Biological Sciences, Kean UniversityAbstract:The use of dietary antioxidants during cancer treatment remains controversial, as their effects on tumor cell survival are not fully understood. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the primary bioactive polyphenol found in green tea, has been widely investigated for its potential anticancer properties; however, reported findings remain inconsistent and sometimes contradictory. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of EGCG on the viability and apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells in vitro and to determine whether its antioxidant activity promotes or inhibits cancer cell survival. Understanding these effects is important because many cancer patients consume antioxidant supplements during therapy, which may influence treatment outcomes.MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were cultured under standard conditions (37 °C, 5% CO₂) and treated with increasing concentrations of EGCG using a dose-response experimental design. Matched vehicle controls were included to account for solvent effects. Cell viability was assessed using a resazurin-based metabolic activity test to quantify changes in cell survival. Programmed cell death was evaluated through caspase-3/7 activity measurement, and intracellular oxidative stress levels were analyzed using a fluorescent reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection method to examine changes in cellular redox balance. Statistical analyses were performed to compare treated and untreated groups.Results demonstrated dose-dependent trends; however, the effects of EGCG on MDA-MB-231 cells were inconclusive. While certain concentrations showed reduced cell viability and increased apoptotic signaling, other doses produced minimal or variable effects. These findings underscore the complexity of antioxidant interactions in aggressive breast cancer cells. Future research should explore longer exposure durations, combination therapies, and microbiome-related metabolic influences to better understand EGCG’s translational potential in breast cancer treatment.Keywords: EGCG, MDA-MB-231, breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, antioxidants, apoptosis, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell viability, in vitro study