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Araçá-Boi Extract and Gallic Acid Reduce Cell Viability and Modify the Expression of Tumor Suppressor Genes and Genes
Felipe Tecchio Borsoi1, Henrique Silvano Arruda1, Amanda Cristina Andrade1
1Department of Food Science and Nutrition (DECAN), School of Food Engineering (FEA), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Monteiro Lobato Street 80, Campinas 13083-862, São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
In the present study, we characterized and investigated the effect of the araçá-boi extract on antioxidant activity, cell viability, and the regulation of genes related to tumor suppression and epigenetic mechanisms in ovarian cancer cells. The results showed that araçá-boi extract revealed a remarkable diversity of phytochemicals (organic acids, phenolic acids, and flavonoids), significant antioxidant potential, and efficient scavenging of reactive oxygen species, particularly hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals. Gallic acid, one of the phenolic acids present in the extract, was used alone to verify its contribution to cytotoxic activities. Exposure of human ovarian cancer cells (NCI/ADR-RES and OVCAR3) to the extract (0.15-150 μg/mL) and gallic acid (6-48 μg/mL) resulted in a significant reduction in cell viability, particularly after 48 h of treatment. Both treatments modulated genes involved in DNA repair, tumor suppression, and epigenetic regulation. However, no changes were observed in the methylation status of the BRCA1 gene promoter region with either araçá-boi extract or gallic acid. These findings reinforce the therapeutic potential of araçá-boi extract and its phenolic compounds against ovarian cancer and point to the need for further studies to better elucidate the molecular pathways involved and validate these effects in vivo.
Insights
Araçá-boi extract, rich in phytochemicals, demonstrated significant antioxidant and anticancer properties against ovarian cancer cells. Further research is warranted to explore its therapeutic potential and molecular mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Ovarian cancer remains a significant health challenge with limited treatment options.
- Natural compounds offer potential therapeutic avenues for cancer treatment.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of plant extracts is crucial for drug development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of araçá-boi extract on ovarian cancer cells.
- To evaluate the extract's antioxidant activity and phytochemical composition.
- To examine the regulation of tumor suppressor and epigenetic genes.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of araçá-boi extract's phytochemicals.
- Assessment of antioxidant activity and reactive oxygen species scavenging.
- Cell viability assays on human ovarian cancer cell lines (NCI/ADR-RES and OVCAR3).
- Gene expression analysis related to DNA repair, tumor suppression, and epigenetics.
- Analysis of BRCA1 gene promoter methylation status.
Main Results:
- Araçá-boi extract contains diverse phytochemicals, including phenolic acids and flavonoids.
- The extract exhibits significant antioxidant potential and scavenges reactive oxygen species.
- Both araçá-boi extract and gallic acid reduced ovarian cancer cell viability.
- Treatments modulated genes involved in DNA repair, tumor suppression, and epigenetic regulation.
- No changes in BRCA1 gene promoter methylation were observed.
Conclusions:
- Araçá-boi extract possesses therapeutic potential against ovarian cancer.
- Gallic acid contributes to the extract's cytotoxic effects.
- Further studies are needed to elucidate molecular pathways and validate in vivo efficacy.
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