Butein and Frondoside-A Combination Exhibits Additive Anti-Cancer Effects on Tumor Cell Viability, Colony Growth, and Invasion and Synergism on Endothelial Cell Migration

Abstract

Despite the significant advances in targeted- and immuno-therapies, lung and breast cancer are at the top list of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide as of 2020. Combination therapy consisting of a mixture of different drugs taken at once is currently the main approach in cancer management. Natural compounds are extensively investigated for their promising anti-cancer potential. This study explored the anti-cancer potential of butein, a biologically active flavonoid, on two major solid tumors, namely, A549 lung and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells alone and in combination with another natural anti-cancer compound, frondoside-A. We demonstrated that butein decreases A549 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell viability and colony growth in vitro in addition to tumor growth on chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) in vivo without inducing any noticeable toxicity. Additionally, non-toxic concentrations of butein significantly reduced the migration and invasion of both cell lines, suggesting its potential anti-metastatic effect. We showed that butein anti-cancer effects are due, at least in part, to a potent inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation, leading to PARP cleavage and consequently cell death. Moreover, we demonstrated that combining butein with frondoside-A leads to additive effects on inhibiting A549 and MDA-MB-231 cellular viability, induction of caspase 3/7 activity, inhibition of colony growth, and inhibition of cellular migration and invasion. This combination reached a synergistic effect on the inhibition of HUVECs migration in vitro. Collectively, this study provides sufficient rationale to further carry out animal studies to confirm the relevance of these compounds’ combination in cancer therapy.

Metochalcone induces senescence-associated secretory phenotype via JAK2/STAT3 pathway in breast cancer

“…The anti-cancer properties of lutein (3,4,2′,4′-tetrahydroxychalcone) against various carcinomas involve the suppression of STAT3 activation in head and neck cancer, liver cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma, myeloma, and prostate cancer [ 26 , 27 ]. In breast and lung cancers, butein also downregulates STAT3 phosphorylation [ 28 ]. In addition, isoliquiritigenin (ISL) [ 29 , 30 ], xanthoangelol, 4-hydroxyderricin [ 31 ], and xanthohumol contribute to the suppression of STAT3 expression in various cancer cells, including breast cancer, cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic cancer [ 32 ].…”

Targeting STAT3 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways in Cancer Prevention and Treatment: The Role of Chalcones

“…Attention should also be paid to the organ-specific dependence on STAT3 phosphorylation. This phenomenon has been predominantly documented in breast cancers [ 49 , 50 ], oral cancers [ 36 , 37 ], and liver cancers [ 39 , 40 , 51 , 52 ].…”

Saponins of North Atlantic Sea Cucumber: Chemistry, Health Benefits, and Future Prospectives

“…It is also reported that a combination of frondoside A and butein causes a concentration- and time-dependent decrease in the viability of the lung cancer cells including A549 and LNM35 [ 66 ]. Another recent study also demonstrated that the combination of butein with frondoside A results in the inhibition of A549 and cellular viability, induction of caspase 3/7 activity, inhibition of colony growth and cellular migration, and invasion [ 67 ]. Moreover, frondoside A is known to inhibit the growth of pancreatic cancer cells by promoting apoptosis via a cascade of activation of mitochondrial pathways [ 63 ].…”