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Published on: July 5, 2017
Flavonoids, dietary-derived inhibitors of cell proliferation and in vitro angiogenesis
T Fotsis1, M S Pepper, E Aktas
1Division of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital, Ruprecht-Karls University, Heidelberg, Germany. thfotsis@cc.uoi.gr
Abstract:
Consumption of a plant-based diet can prevent the development and progression of chronic diseases associated with extensive neovascularization, including solid malignant tumors. In previous studies, we have shown that the plant-derived isoflavonoid genistein is a potent inhibitor of cell proliferation and in vitro angiogenesis. In the present study, we report that certain structurally related flavonoids are more potent inhibitors than genistein. Indeed, 3-hydroxyflavone, 3',4'-dihydroxyflavone, 2',3'-dihydroxyflavone, fisetin, apigenin, and luteolin inhibited the proliferation of normal and tumor cells, as well as in vitro angiogenesis, at half-maximal concentrations in the low micromolar range. We have previously demonstrated that genistein concentrations in the urine of subjects consuming a plant-based diet is 30-fold higher than in subjects consuming a traditional Western diet. The wider distribution and the more abundant presence of flavonoids in the plant kingdom, together with the present results, suggest that flavonoids may contribute to the preventive effect of a plant-based diet on chronic diseases, including solid tumors.
Insights
Plant-based diets may prevent chronic diseases like cancer. Certain flavonoids, more potent than genistein, inhibit cell proliferation and angiogenesis, supporting this protective effect.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Plant-based diets are linked to reduced chronic disease risk, including cancer.
- Genistein, a plant-derived isoflavonoid, inhibits cell proliferation and angiogenesis.
- Flavonoids are widely distributed in plants and may play a role in disease prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify plant-derived flavonoids with potent anti-cancer properties.
- To compare the inhibitory effects of various flavonoids on cell proliferation and angiogenesis.
- To explore the contribution of flavonoids to the health benefits of plant-based diets.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the effects of flavonoids on normal and tumor cell proliferation in vitro.
- Assessed the inhibitory activity of flavonoids on angiogenesis in vitro.
- Measured urinary genistein levels in individuals on plant-based versus Western diets.
Main Results:
- Several flavonoids (3-hydroxyflavone, 3',4'-dihydroxyflavone, 2',3'-dihydroxyflavone, fisetin, apigenin, luteolin) showed potent inhibition of cell proliferation and angiogenesis at low micromolar concentrations.
- These flavonoids were more potent inhibitors than genistein.
- Urinary genistein levels were significantly higher in subjects consuming plant-based diets.
Conclusions:
- Flavonoids exhibit potent anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic activities.
- These findings suggest that flavonoids contribute to the cancer-preventive effects of plant-based diets.
- Further research into specific flavonoids may yield novel therapeutic strategies for cancer prevention and treatment.
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