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Sorghum phenolics demonstrate estrogenic action and induce apoptosis in nonmalignant colonocytes
Liyi Yang1, Kimberly F Allred, Bhimalingeswarappa Geera
1Cereal Quality Laboratory, Soil & Crop Science Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-2474, USA.
Abstract:
Evidence indicates sorghum may be protective against colon cancer; however, the mechanisms are unknown. Estrogen is believed to protect against colon cancer development by inducing apoptosis in damaged nonmalignant colonocytes. Three sorghum extracts (white, red, and black) were screened for estrogenic activity using cell models expressing estrogen receptor α (ER-α; MCF-7 breast cancer cells) and β [ER-β; nonmalignant young adult mouse colonocytes (YAMC)]. Black and white sorghum extracts had significant estrogenic activity mediated through both estrogen receptors at 1-5 and 5-10 μg/mL, respectively; but red sorghum did not. Activation of ER-β in YAMC reduced cell growth via induction of apoptosis. Only the black and red sorghums contained 3-deoxyanthocyanins; however, these compounds were non-estrogenic. Flavones with estrogenic properties, luteolin (0.41-2.12 mg/g) and apigenin (1.1-1.4 mg/g), and their O-methyl derivatives (0.70-0.95 mg/g) were detected in white and black sorghums, but not in the red sorghum. On the other hand, naringenin, a flavanone known to interfere with transcriptional activities of estrogen, was only detected in the red sorghum extract (as its 7-O-glycoside) at relatively high concentration (11.8 mg/g). Sorghum flavonoid composition has important implications on possible modes of chemoprotection by sorghum against colon carcinogenesis.
Insights
Sorghum extracts, particularly black and white varieties, show estrogenic activity that may protect against colon cancer by inducing apoptosis. Different sorghum compounds influence these protective mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Sorghum consumption is linked to colon cancer protection, but underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
- Estrogen plays a role in colon cancer prevention by promoting apoptosis in damaged colon cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the estrogenic activity of white, red, and black sorghum extracts.
- To determine the specific compounds responsible for estrogenic effects and their impact on colonocytes.
Main Methods:
- Screening of sorghum extracts for estrogenic activity using cell models with estrogen receptors alpha (ER-α) and beta (ER-β).
- Analysis of flavonoid composition, including flavones, O-methyl derivatives, and flavanones, in different sorghum extracts.
- Assessing the effect of estrogen receptor activation on colonocyte cell growth and apoptosis.
Main Results:
- Black and white sorghum extracts exhibited significant estrogenic activity via both ER-α and ER-β.
- Red sorghum extract did not show estrogenic activity; it contained naringenin, which may inhibit estrogen's effects.
- White and black sorghums contained estrogenic flavones (luteolin, apigenin) and their derivatives; 3-deoxyanthocyanins in black and red sorghums were non-estrogenic.
Conclusions:
- Sorghum's chemoprotective potential against colon cancer is influenced by its flavonoid composition.
- Estrogenic activity in certain sorghum varieties, mediated by specific flavonoids, may contribute to colon cancer prevention through apoptosis induction.
- Further research into sorghum's complex phytochemicals is needed to fully understand its role in colon cancer chemoprevention.
