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Anti-angiogenic property of edible berries
Sashwati Roy1, Savita Khanna, Helaine M Alessio
1Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Surgery, 512 Heart and Lung Research Institute, Ohio State University Medical Center, 473 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Abstract:
Recent studies show that edible berries may have potent chemopreventive properties. Anti-angiogenic approaches to prevent and treat cancer represent a priority area in investigative tumor biology. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role for the vascularization of tumors. The vasculature in adult skin remains normally quiescent. However, skin retains the capacity for brisk initiation of angiogenesis during inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis and skin cancers. We sought to test the effects of multiple berry extracts on inducible VEGF expression by human HaCaT keratinocytes. Six berry extracts (wild blueberry, bilberry, cranberry, elderberry, raspberry seed, and strawberry) and a grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) were studied. The extracts and uptake of their constituents by HaCaT were studied using a multi-channel HPLC-CoulArray approach. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by ORAC. Cranberry, elderberry and raspberry seed samples were observed to possess comparable ORAC values. The antioxidant capacity of these samples was significantly lower than that of the other samples studied. The ORAC values of strawberry powder and GSPE were higher than cranberry, elderberry or raspberry seed but significantly lower than the other samples studied. Wild bilberry and blueberry extracts possessed the highest ORAC values. Each of the berry samples studied significantly inhibited both H2O2 as well as TNF alpha induced VEGF expression by the human keratinocytes. This effect was not shared by other antioxidants such as alpha-tocopherol or GSPE but was commonly shared by pure flavonoids. Matrigel assay using human dermal microvascular endothelial cells showed that edible berries impair angiogenesis.
Insights
Edible berry extracts effectively inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production in skin cells, suggesting potential anti-angiogenic and chemopreventive benefits for cancer treatment. These findings highlight berries as a promising natural source for cancer prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Edible berries show potential chemopreventive properties.
- Anti-angiogenic strategies are crucial for cancer prevention and treatment.
- Tumor vascularization relies on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is also implicated in inflammatory skin conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of various berry extracts on inducible VEGF expression in human keratinocytes.
- To assess the anti-angiogenic potential of edible berries.
Main Methods:
- Six berry extracts (wild blueberry, bilberry, cranberry, elderberry, raspberry seed, strawberry) and grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) were tested.
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyze extract constituents.
- Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay determined antioxidant activity.
- Human HaCaT keratinocytes and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells were used for VEGF expression and angiogenesis assays.
Main Results:
- Wild blueberry and bilberry extracts exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity (ORAC values).
- All tested berry extracts significantly inhibited both hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) induced VEGF expression in keratinocytes.
- This inhibitory effect on VEGF was not observed with alpha-tocopherol or GSPE but was common among pure flavonoids.
- A Matrigel assay confirmed that edible berry extracts impair angiogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Edible berry extracts possess anti-angiogenic properties by inhibiting VEGF expression.
- Berries demonstrate potential as a natural source for chemoprevention and treatment of angiogenesis-related conditions, including skin cancer.