Polymeric black tea polyphenols inhibit mouse skin chemical carcinogenesis by decreasing cell proliferation

R Patel1, R Krishnan, A Ramchandani

  • 1Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India.

Cell Proliferation
|April 11, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Black tea polyphenols (PBPs) show antitumour effects by inhibiting skin papilloma growth in mice. PBP-2 was most effective, reducing cell proliferation and activating cell cycle checkpoints, suggesting protective benefits.

Area of Science:

  • * Oncology
  • * Dermatology
  • * Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

  • * Black tea contains abundant polymeric polyphenols (PBPs), also known as thearubigins.
  • * These compounds are investigated for their potential health benefits, including antitumour properties.
  • * Understanding their mechanisms against chemically induced skin tumours is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To evaluate the in vivo antitumour promoting effects of PBPs (1-5) from black tea.
  • * To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action, focusing on cell proliferation and signalling pathways.
  • * To identify the most potent PBP fraction for potential chemopreventive applications.

Main Methods:

  • * A 40-week mouse skin papilloma model initiated with 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene and promoted with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA).
  • * Assessment of PBP fraction pre-treatments on tumour latency, multiplicity, and incidence.
  • * Immunohistochemical analysis of cell proliferation and apoptosis; Western blot for mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathways.

Main Results:

  • * PBP pre-treatments significantly altered skin papilloma development, demonstrating antipromoting effects.
  • * Most PBP fractions reduced TPA-induced cell proliferation by inhibiting key signalling kinases (JNK, ERK, p38, Akt) and transcription factors (AP-1, NF-κB).
  • * PBPs decreased TPA-induced apoptosis and increased p53 and p21 levels, suggesting cell cycle arrest.

Conclusions:

  • * Polymeric black tea polyphenols exhibit significant antitumour promoting effects against skin papillomas in mice.
  • * PBP-2 demonstrated the highest potency, with PBP-1 and PBP-3 showing intermediate efficacy, while PBP-4 and PBP-5 had marginal activity.
  • * The protective effects are primarily attributed to the inhibition of TPA-induced cellular proliferation and modulation of related signalling pathways.