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Published on: July 12, 2021
Comparative Anticancer Potential of Green Tea Extract and Epigallocatechin-3-gallate on Breast Cancer Spheroids
Ronimara A Santos1, Heloisa Rodrigues Pessoa1, Julio Beltrame Daleprane2
1Laboratory of Physiopathology and Biochemistry of Nutrition, Nutrition Institute, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro 20550-013, Brazil.
Abstract:
Despite advances in diagnosis and therapy, breast cancer remains the leading cause of death in many countries. Green tea (GT) has been proposed to play a crucial role in cancer chemoprevention. Although extensive research has been conducted on GT phytochemicals, most experimental studies concentrate mainly on commercial formulations or isolated catechins. This study presents a comparative investigation into the anticancer properties of green tea extract (GTE) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in a three-dimensional (3D) MCF-7 breast cancer cell culture. MCF-7 spheroids were exposed to GTE or EGCG, and effects on 3D culture formation, growth, cell viability, and migration were examined. GTE inhibits cell migration and the formation of breast cancer spheroids more effectively than EGCG, while inducing more pronounced morphological changes in the spheroids' structure. These findings suggest that the food matrix improves GTE effects on breast cancer spheroids, supporting the hypothesis that a mixture of phytochemicals might enhance its anticancer potential.
Insights
Green tea extract (GTE) shows stronger anticancer effects against breast cancer cells than isolated epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). The natural compounds in GTE enhance its chemopreventive potential in 3D cell cultures.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading cause of death globally, necessitating novel chemopreventive strategies.
- Green tea (GT) and its phytochemicals, particularly epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), are investigated for cancer chemoprevention.
- Most studies focus on commercial GT formulations or isolated compounds, potentially overlooking synergistic effects within the natural matrix.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the anticancer efficacy of green tea extract (GTE) and isolated epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in a 3D MCF-7 breast cancer cell model.
- To investigate the impact of GTE and EGCG on breast cancer spheroid formation, growth, viability, and migration.
- To evaluate the role of the natural food matrix in enhancing the chemopreventive properties of green tea compounds.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a three-dimensional (3D) MCF-7 breast cancer cell culture model (spheroids).
- Exposed spheroids to varying concentrations of green tea extract (GTE) and purified epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).
- Assessed spheroid formation, growth inhibition, cell viability, and cell migration using established assays.
Main Results:
- Green tea extract (GTE) demonstrated superior inhibition of breast cancer spheroid formation and cell migration compared to isolated epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).
- GTE induced more significant morphological alterations in the spheroid structure than EGCG.
- Both GTE and EGCG affected cell viability, with GTE showing a more pronounced effect.
Conclusions:
- The natural food matrix present in GTE enhances its anticancer activity against breast cancer spheroids.
- A combination of phytochemicals within GTE may offer superior chemopreventive potential compared to isolated compounds like EGCG.
- These findings support the hypothesis that whole extracts may be more effective than isolated compounds for cancer chemoprevention.
