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The effects of catechin on superoxide dismutase activity and its gene expression in pheochromocytoma cells
Jyh-Ming Chow1, Ju-Chi Liu, Yi-Jen Che
1Department of Medicine, Taipei Medical University-Wan Fang Hospital, Taiwan, ROC.
Background:
Overexpression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) cDNA via plasmid transfection leads to growth inhibition in vitro and in vivo in various human cancers. Polyphenolic compounds such as catechin isolated from tea bush Camellia sinensis has been shown to have anticancer effect in vitro. This study evaluated the effect of catechin on the MnSOD activity and mRNA level of pheochromocytoma cells (PC-12).
Methods:
PC-12 cells were incubated with different concentrations of catechin at short-term (2 days) and long-term (7 days) in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was measured and its mRNA was assayed by Northern blotting.
Results:
After incubation for 2 days, catechin slightly but significantly increased the activity of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD). However, it did not show any significant effect at 7 days. The MnSOD activity showed significant changes in both short-term and long-term. The amount of mRNA also showed similar changes.
Conclusions:
Catechin is a natural antioxidant which has been shown to have antitumor effect in basic and epidemiological studies. The present data suggest that catechin can increase MnSOD gene expression in PC-12, which might have beneficial effect in tumor prevention.
Insights
Catechin, a natural antioxidant, boosts manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) gene expression in pheochromocytoma cells (PC-12). This suggests catechin may offer benefits for cancer prevention.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) overexpression inhibits cancer cell growth.
- Catechin, a polyphenol from Camellia sinensis, exhibits in vitro anticancer properties.
- The study investigates catechin's impact on MnSOD in pheochromocytoma cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effect of catechin on MnSOD activity and mRNA levels in PC-12 cells.
- To evaluate short-term and long-term effects of catechin exposure.
Main Methods:
- PC-12 cells were treated with varying catechin concentrations for 2 and 7 days.
- Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was measured.
- MnSOD and copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) mRNA levels were assessed using Northern blotting.
Main Results:
- Catechin significantly increased CuZnSOD activity after 2 days, but not after 7 days.
- Significant changes in MnSOD activity and mRNA levels were observed with catechin treatment in both short-term and long-term incubations.
- Catechin demonstrated a dose-dependent effect on MnSOD expression.
Conclusions:
- Catechin enhances MnSOD gene expression in PC-12 cells.
- Increased MnSOD may contribute to catechin's potential antitumor effects.
- Catechin shows promise as a chemopreventive agent.
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