Cell and molecular effects induced by Cistus monspeliensis L. and Cistus laurifolius L. phytoextracts in X-ray-irradiated breast cancer cell lines

The richness of Italian biodiversity is represented by a source of active compounds. In this regard, some bioactive molecules extracted from plants of the Cistaceae family have demonstrated antioxidant and cytotoxic properties, which are useful in the pharmaceutical field. These properties are of interest regarding the possibility of combining molecules of natural origin with radiotherapy (RT) schedules, as a promising approach to improve the curative efficacy and reduce side effects and associated effects. Thus, in this “in vitro” study, we explored the radio-sensitizing potential effect of two natural phytoextracts from Cistus monspeliensis L. (Cm) and Cistus laurifolius L. (Cl) Plants, by using two breast cancer (BC) cell lines, the non-tumorigenic MCF10A and the triple negative TNBC tumorigenic MDA-MB-231 cell line. Dose-response curves, following X-ray irradiation from 1 to 5 Gy in combination with Cm or CI, revealed a greater radiosensitizing ability of Cm as compared to Cl. Then, to explain the Cm antitumor activity, transcriptional and metabolic profiling were investigated in Cm pre-treated samples compared to irradiated samples with a dose of 2 Gy. The Cm extract modulates gene expression and induces metabolic crash. Integrated analyses of transcriptomic and metabolic profiles, rather than focusing solely on protein changes, identified key biological processes that lead to tumor cell death. Our findings indicate that Cm may serve as a nutraceutical with potential radiosensitizing properties.