Modulation of ACE2/Ang1-7/Mas and ACE/AngII/AT1 axes affects anticancer properties of sertraline in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is best known for playing a major role in maintaining the physiology of the cardiovascular system. Dysregulation of the RAS pathway has been proposed as a link to some malignancies and contributes to cancer metastasis. Breast cancer is considered as one of the leading causes of cancer death in women and its prevention remains yet a challenge. Elements of RAS are expressed in both normal breast tissue and cancerous cells, signifying the essential role of RAS in breast cancer pathology. Sertraline, a widely used antidepressant, has shown anti-proliferative properties on a variety of malignancies. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sertraline and its combination with agonists and antagonists of RAS (A779, Ang 1–7 and losartan) on viability of MCF-7 cells along with their effect on apoptosis and distribution of cell cycle. Our results indicated that sertraline, losartan and Ang 1–7 significantly decreased cell viability, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. A779 blunted the effect of sertraline on cell viability, ROS generation and cell cycle arrest. Combination treatment of sertraline with losartan as well as Ang 1–7 caused a remarkable decline in cell viability. In conclusion, results of the present study support the anti-cancer properties of sertraline, losartan and Ang 1–7 via induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. •Sertraline, losartan and Ang 1-7 decreased MCF-7 cell viability, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.•A779 blunted the effect of sertraline on cell viability, ROS generation and cell cycle arrest.•Combination of sertraline and losartan decreased MCF-7 cell viability.•Combination of sertraline and Ang 1-7 decreased MCF-7 cell viability.•Anticancer properties of sertraline in MCF-7 cells could be mediated by Mas receptors.