The MTT viability assay yields strikingly false-positive viabilities although the cells are killed by some plant extracts

Authors : DİDEM KARAKAŞ, FERDA ARI, ENGİN ULUKAYA

Pages : 919-925

View : 15 | Download : 5

Publication Date : 2017-12-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The MTT assay is one of the often used cell viability/cytotoxicity assays. However, when the methanol extracts of plants are used to test their cytotoxic potential, interference may occur, resulting in false-positive viability results. Therefore, in this study, the reliability of the MTT assay was investigated in the case of plant use. The methanol extracts of three different plants insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Hypericum adenotrichum, Salvia kronenburgii, and Pelargonium quercetorum); were tested in breast cancer cell lines insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231); using the MTT assay and the results were compared to the ATP assay, which is a much more sensitive and reliable assay due to its interference-free feature. Additionally, decreased cell density was confirmed with phase-contrast microscopy and fluorescence staining insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Hoechst 33342 dye);. Although both of the viability/cytotoxicity assays are considered as metabolic assays, viabilities insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(in %); in the MTT assay were found to be strikingly higher when compared to the results with the ATP assay. Even in the case of total death, the MTT assay still produced artificial/false increases in viability. The morphology-based evaluation of viability/cytotoxicity by phase-contrast microscopy and Hoechst 33342 staining were greatly compatible with the ATP assay results. Overestimated insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(false); viabilities in the MTT assay suggests a serious interference between the MTT assay itself and the extracts used. Some ingredients of plants may have reducing activity insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(like the dehydrogenase activity of the cells); that converts the MTT compound into the colored formazan that is the principle of the assay. Therefore, the MTT assay may not be a suitable assay for some plant extracts, urging great caution when plants are used.
Keywords : MTT assay, ATP assay, interference, cytotoxicity, plant extract, breast cancer