THE ROLE OF ANGIOTENSIN II AND ANGIOTENSIN-(1-7) IN PROLIFERATION AND PROGRESSION OF BREAST CANCER

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, being responsible for thousands of deaths each year. There are various mediators that participate in the carcinogenic process, but the components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) have assumed a relevant role. The angiotensin II (Ang II), most known peptide formed from the RAS cascade of events, has vasoconstrictor, angiogenic, hyperplastic, proliferative and metastatic actions. However, the angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] is another peptide belonging to the RAS that has been studied quite recently and which possesses vasodilator, antiproliferative and apoptotic actions. Recent studies of the Ang-(1-7) demonstrated its opposite actions in relation to Ang II, and, therefore could play an important role in an anti-tumor therapy. The effects of Ang-(1-7) were observed in cell lines of lung cancer and, in this present work, we aimed to assess the role of the Ang II and especially of the Ang-(1-7) in proliferation and progression of breast cancer. These effects will be evaluated through biochemical and pharmacological assays in breast carcinoma cells (T47D) and in normal breast cells (MCF - 10A). For this, both types of cell will be submitted to tests of cell proliferation and viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, and quantification of metalloproteinases of extracellular matrix (MMP 2, 3 and 9) involved in breast cancer metastatic process.