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Testing the Anticancer Effect of Matcha Using Zebrafish as an Animal Model
Sara Sokary1, Zain Zakaria2, Hiba Bawadi1
1Department of Human Nutrition, College of Health Science, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar.
Nutrients
|May 27, 2023
Summary
Matcha shows potential anticancer effects against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Safe doses of matcha reduced tumor size and suppressed metastasis in a zebrafish xenograft model, indicating a dose-dependent effect.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Zebrafish Models
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is aggressive with poor prognosis and high metastasis rates.
- Matcha, a green tea powder, exhibits potential anti-cancer properties in preliminary studies.
- Zebrafish xenograft models offer a valuable platform for studying cancer metastasis and drug efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine safe, non-toxic matcha concentrations for zebrafish.
- To investigate matcha's anticancer effects on TNBC cell growth and metastasis.
- To utilize a zebrafish xenograft model for evaluating matcha's therapeutic potential.
Main Methods:
- General toxicity assessments (developmental, neuromuscular, cardiovascular) in zebrafish.
- Establishment of a zebrafish xenograft model using human TNBC cells (MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-231).
- Quantification of tumor size and metastasis using CM-Dil fluorescent dye after matcha treatment.
Main Results:
- Safe, non-toxic matcha concentrations were identified as 50 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL.
- Matcha treatment showed a trend toward dose-dependent reduction in TNBC tumor size.
- Matcha visibly suppressed the metastasis of TNBC cells in the zebrafish model.
Conclusions:
- Matcha demonstrates a potential dose-dependent anticancer effect against TNBC.
- Matcha may inhibit both tumor growth and metastasis of TNBC cells.
- Further research with extended observation is needed to confirm long-term efficacy.
