Flavonoids Distinctly Stabilize Lymph Endothelial- or Blood Endothelial Disintegration Induced by Colon Cancer

Julia Berenda1,2, Claudia Smöch1,2, Christa Stadlbauer1,2

  • 1Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.

Insights

Flavonoids from plants show potential in preventing Western diseases. This study found that certain flavonoids can inhibit defects in endothelial cells caused by colon cancer spheroids, suggesting a protective role.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Plant phenolics, particularly flavonoids, are increasingly recognized for their health benefits.
  • Evidence suggests flavonoids may prevent chronic diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
  • Western diseases represent a significant global health burden, driving research into preventive strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of 20 different flavonoids on endothelial cell barrier integrity.
  • To determine the inhibitory potential of flavonoids against 12(S)-HETE-induced circular chemorepellent induced defects (CCIDs).
  • To assess flavonoid activity in 3D in vitro models using lymph- and blood-endothelial cells exposed to colon cancer spheroid secretions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized 3D in vitro systems to model endothelial barrier function.
  • Exposed lymph-endothelial cells (LECs) and blood-endothelial cells (BECs) to 12(S)-HETE secreted by SW620 colon cancer spheroids.
  • Quantified the inhibition of circular chemorepellent induced defects (CCIDs) by various flavones, flavonols, and flavanones.

Main Results:

  • Several tested flavonoids demonstrated the ability to reduce spheroid-induced defects in endothelial barriers.
  • Apigenin and luteolin were identified as the most potent inhibitors in the SW620/LEC model.
  • Acacetin, apigenin, luteolin, wogonin, hispidulin, and chrysin showed weak activity in the SW620/BEC model.

Conclusions:

  • Certain flavonoids possess the capacity to protect endothelial cell barriers from cancer spheroid-induced damage.
  • Specific flavonoids like apigenin and luteolin show promise in maintaining endothelial integrity.
  • These findings support the investigation of dietary flavonoids as potential agents in managing diseases involving endothelial dysfunction.

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