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Apple procyanidins induce tumor cell apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway activation of caspase-3

Tomisato Miura1, Mitsuru Chiba, Kosuke Kasai

  • 1Department of Pathologic analysis, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 66-1, Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8564, Japan. tomisato@cc.hirosaki-u.ac.jp

Carcinogenesis
|September 11, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Apple procyanidins, a type of polyphenol, show significant antitumor activity. These compounds inhibit tumor cell growth and promote apoptosis, offering potential for cancer prevention and treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Biochemistry
  • Cancer Research
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Polyphenols from fruits and vegetables are linked to reduced risk of lifestyle diseases like cancer.
  • Apples are a rich dietary source of polyphenols, including procyanidins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antitumor activity of apple polyphenols (APs) and procyanidins.
  • To determine the specific mechanisms by which apple procyanidins exert their anti-cancer effects.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro and in vivo studies using B16 mouse melanoma and BALB-MC.E12 mouse mammary tumor cells.
  • Separation of procyanidin fractions based on polymerization degree.
  • Analysis of apoptosis-related markers, including mitochondrial membrane permeability and caspase activation.

Main Results:

  • Apple procyanidins, but not other tested polyphenols, significantly inhibited tumor cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro.
  • Oral administration of apple procyanidins increased survival rates in tumor-bearing mice.
  • Higher degree procyanidin fractions (pentamer and above) exhibited potent anti-tumor activity.
  • Procyanidins induced apoptosis via the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway, involving cytochrome c release and caspase-3/9 activation.

Conclusions:

  • Apple procyanidins possess significant antitumor properties.
  • The anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects are mediated through the mitochondrial pathway.
  • Apple procyanidins, particularly higher polymers, represent a promising natural compound for cancer prevention and therapy.

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