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From Biofortification to HT-29 Growth Inhibition: Selenium-Enriched Sunflower Sprouts Modulate Apoptosis- and Cell
Piyanete Chantiratikul1, Anut Chantiratikul2, Yada Laotongsan1
1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Kantarawichai District, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Selenium-enriched sunflower sprouts show enhanced anticancer properties against colorectal cancer cells. This study demonstrates their potential to inhibit cancer cell growth and modulate key molecular pathways involved in cell death and proliferation.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Cancer Biology
- Plant Science
Background:
- Edible sprouts, like sunflower sprouts, are recognized for their health benefits.
- Selenium (Se) biofortification is a strategy to enhance the bioactivity of plant-based foods.
- Colorectal cancer remains a significant global health concern, driving research into novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of selenium (Se)-enriched sunflower sprout extracts on human colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells.
- To compare the efficacy of Se-enriched sprouts with non-enriched sprouts in inhibiting cancer cell growth.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the antiproliferative effects of Se-enriched sunflower sprouts.
Main Methods:
- Cytotoxicity assessed via MTT assay.
- Clonogenic survival evaluated using colony formation assays.
- Gene and protein expression analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively.
- Metabolite profiling performed using LC-MS/MS-based untargeted metabolomics.
Main Results:
- Se enrichment significantly increased the cytotoxicity and antiproliferative effects of sunflower sprout extract on HT-29 cells.
- Se-enriched extracts demonstrated superior inhibition of colony formation and wound closure compared to non-enriched extracts.
- Molecular analysis revealed modulation of apoptosis-related genes (e.g., upregulation of Bax, Caspase-3; downregulation of Bcl-2) and cell cycle regulators (e.g., upregulation of p21; downregulation of CDK4).
- Metabolomics identified significant alterations in purine metabolism and lipid profiles, including increased lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) 18:3 and choline.
Conclusions:
- Selenium biofortification enhances the in vitro anticancer potential of sunflower sprouts against colorectal cancer cells.
- Se-enriched sunflower sprouts modulate key molecular pathways involved in apoptosis and cell cycle progression.
- These findings support the investigation of Se-enriched sunflower sprouts as a functional food ingredient for cancer prevention or therapy.
