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Evaluating the Angiogenetic Properties of Ovarian Cancer Stem-Like Cells using the Three-Dimensional Co-Culture System, NICO-1
Published on: December 5, 2020
Selecting bioactive phenolic compounds as potential agents to inhibit proliferation and VEGF expression in human
Zhiping He1, Bo Li2, Gary O Rankin3
1Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Agriculure and Food Science, Zhejiang A & F University, Lin'an, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China ; College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, Alderson Broaddus University, Philippi, WV 26416, USA.
Abstract:
Ovarian cancer is a disease that continues to cause mortality in female individuals worldwide. Ovarian cancer is challenging to treat due to emerging resistance to chemotherapy, therefore, the identification of effective novel chemotherapeutic agents is important. Polyphenols have demonstrated potential in reducing the risk of developing numerous types of cancer, as well reducing the risk of cancer progression, due to their ability to reduce cell viability and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. In the present study, eight phenolic compounds were screened in two human ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR-3 and A2780/CP70) to determine their effect on proliferation suppression and VEGF protein secretion inhibition, in comparison to cisplatin, a conventional chemotherapeutic agent. The current study identified that 40 μM gallic acid (GA) exhibited the greatest inhibitory effect on OVCAR-3 cell viability, compared with all of the phenolic compounds investigated. Similarly to cisplatin, baicalein, GA, nobiletin, tangeretin and baicalin were all identified to exhibit significant VEGF inhibitory effects from ELISA results. Furthermore, western blot analysis indicated that GA effectively decreased the level of the VEGF-binding protein hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in the ovarian cancer cell line. Considering the results of the present study, GA appears to inhibit cell proliferation and, thus, is a potential agent for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Insights
Gallic acid (GA) shows promise as a novel ovarian cancer treatment. This polyphenol effectively suppressed cancer cell growth and inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion in laboratory studies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ovarian cancer remains a leading cause of mortality in women globally.
- Chemotherapy resistance presents a significant challenge in treating ovarian cancer.
- Polyphenols show potential in cancer prevention and treatment by reducing cell viability and VEGF expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen eight phenolic compounds for their efficacy against human ovarian cancer cell lines.
- To evaluate the potential of these compounds in suppressing cancer cell proliferation and inhibiting VEGF secretion.
- To compare the effects of phenolic compounds with cisplatin, a standard chemotherapy drug.
Main Methods:
- Screening of eight phenolic compounds using two human ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR-3 and A2780/CP70).
- Assessment of cell viability and proliferation suppression.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure VEGF protein secretion.
- Western blot analysis to determine the levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α).
Main Results:
- Gallic acid (GA) at 40 μM demonstrated the most significant inhibition of OVCAR-3 cell viability among tested compounds.
- Baicalein, GA, nobiletin, tangeretin, and baicalin significantly inhibited VEGF secretion, similar to cisplatin.
- GA treatment led to a decrease in hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) levels in ovarian cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- Gallic acid (GA) exhibits potent anti-proliferative effects on ovarian cancer cells.
- GA demonstrates significant inhibition of VEGF secretion and related pathways.
- GA is identified as a potential novel therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer treatment.
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