In vitro Biological Effects of Sulforaphane (SFN), Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and Curcumin on Breast Cancer Cells: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

Much of the recent research in neoplasia has been focusing on the epigenetics of cancer cells, particularly as regards the search for potential molecular biomarkers that could be used for early diagnosis, effective treatment, and prognosis of several types of cancer. Carcinogenesis often starts with mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and it leads to anomalies in cellular processes as vital as cell cycle regulation and apoptosis. Because malignant changes arise as a result of genetic as well as epigenetic mechanisms, one possible means of intervention involves reprogramming gene expression, so as to-at least in part-revert the molecular alterations. DNA methylation and demethylation, acetylation and deacetylation of histones, and microRNAs are a few examples of the epigenetic mechanisms responsible for tumor development and progression. Many biologically active compounds present in food-including sulforaphane, curcumin, and epigallocatechin-have been found to modulate those processes. We here systematically review information on the effects of such bioactive dietary compounds on human breast cancer cell lines, and explore the mechanisms underlying those effects with a view to their potential therapeutic application.

Sulforaphane-Loaded Ultradeformable Vesicles as A Potential Natural Nanomedicine for the Treatment of Skin Cancer Diseases

“…The anticancer properties of sulforaphane-loaded ethosomes ® were investigated on human SK-MEL 28 malignant melanoma cells; this cell line was chosen as a model of high proliferative cells. The cytotoxic effects of sulforaphane-loaded ethosomes ® were evaluated both as a function of the drug concentration (10,20, and 50 μM) and the incubation time (24, 48, and 72 h), in comparison with a simple drug solution.…”

“…Apoptosis can be induced by death receptor 5, activator protein 1, MAP kinases, or mithocondrial dysfunction, or by suppressing the mechanisms responsible for cellular survival, for example, inhibiting activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B [8,9]. Since sulforaphane has these multiple anticancer mechanisms, it is able to inhibit one or more pathways that contribute to malignant transformation and possesses cancer-preventive properties against different tumor diseases [10][11][12], including melanoma [13].…”

Alchemilla vulgaris agg. (Lady's mantle) from central Balkan: antioxidant, anticancer and enzyme inhibition properties

“…The rest of active compounds for example, catechin, are also compounds with potential to limit tumor cell growth. 57 Apart from discussed antitumor properties, catechin modulated epigenetic events such as DNA methylation and demethylation, as well as acetylation deacetylation of histones, inuence tubulin-microtubule 58,59 equilibrium and changed the expression of enzymes relevant for migration and invasion of malignant cells. Plenty of literature data conrmed that efficacy of any herbal extract is dened by the mixture and interplay of its constituents.…”

Role of Curcumin and (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-Gallate in Bladder Cancer Treatment: A Review

“…This suggests a new perspective regarding their full application in various therapeutic schemes, alone or in combination with other drugs. It is proposed that the combination of these two natural polyphenols could produce a beneficial therapeutic outcome against BC, similar to that which has been observed so far in the treatment of ovarian [ 7 ], breast [ 8 ] and prostate cancers [ 9 ].…”