Effects of resveratrol on the expression of a panel of genes interacting with the BRCA1 oncosuppressor in human breast cell lines

Agri-Food By-Products in Cancer: New Targets and Strategies

The globalization and the changes in consumer lifestyles are forcing us to face a deep transformation in food demand and in the organization of the entire food production system. In this new era, the food-loss and food-waste security nexus is relevant in the global debate and avoiding unsustainable waste in agri-food systems as well as the supply chain is a big challenge. "Food waste" is useful for the recovery of its valuable components, thus it can assume the connotation of a "food by-product". Sustainable utilization of agri-food waste by-products provides a great opportunity. Increasing evidence shows that agri-food by-products are a source of different bioactive molecules that lower the inflammatory state and, hence, the aggressiveness of several proliferative diseases. This review aims to summarize the effects of agri-food by-products derivatives, already recognized as promising therapeutics in human diseases, including different cancer types, such as breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Here, we examine products modulating or interfering in the signaling mediated by the epidermal growth factor receptor.

Olaparib enhances the Resveratrol-mediated apoptosis in breast cancer cells by inhibiting the homologous recombination repair pathway

Although sensitization of BRCA-mutated, homologous recombination (HR)-deficient breast cancer cells through PARP inhibitor is widely studied, not much is known about the treatment of BRCA-wild-type, HR-proficient breast cancer. Here, we aim to investigate whether a bioactive compound, Resveratrol (RES), can induce DNA double-strand breaks in HR-proficient breast cancer cells and Olaparib (OLA), a PARP inhibitor, can enhance the RES-mediated apoptosis by deregulating the HR repair pathway. The detailed mechanism of anti-cancer action of RES + OLA combination in breast cancer has been evaluated using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo preclinical model systems. OLA increased RES-mediated DNA damage, downregulated the HR pathway proteins, caused a late S/G2 cell cycle arrest, enhanced apoptosis and cell death in RES pre-treated breast cancer cells at much lower concentrations than their individual treatments. Direct measurement of HR pathway activity using a GFP plasmid-based assay demonstrated reduced HR efficiency in I-SceI endonuclease-transfected cells treated with OLA. Moreover, RES + OLA treatment also caused significant reduction in PARP1-mediated PARylation and efficiently trapped PARP1 at the DNA damage site. Upon RES treatment, PARylated PARP1 was found to interact with BRCA1, which then activated other HR pathway proteins. But after addition of OLA in RES pre-treated cells, PARP1 could not interact with BRCA1 due to inhibition of PARylation. This resulted in deregulation of HR pathway. To further confirm the role of BRCA1 in PARP1-mediated HR pathway activation, BRCA1 was knocked down that caused complete inhibition of HR pathway activity, and further enhanced apoptosis after RES + OLA treatment in BRCA1-silenced cells. In agreement with in vitro data, similar experimental results were obtained in ex vivo patient-derived breast cancer cells and in vivo xenograft mice. Thus, RES + OLA combination treatment enhanced breast cancer cell death by causing excessive DNA damage and also simultaneously inhibiting the HR pathway.

Natural substances in cancer—do they work?

Owing to anticancer properties of selected natural substances, it is assumed that they have potential to be used in oncological therapy. Here, the recently proven effects of the selected natural polyphenols, resveratrol and curcumin, are described. Secondly, the potential of probiotics and prebiotics in modulation of immunological response and/or enhancing the chemotherapeutic treatments is reported based on the recent clinical trials. Further, the chapter presents current knowledge regarding the targeted supplementation of the patient with probiotic bacteria and known efficacy of probiotics to support immunotherapy. The major clinical trials are listed, aiming to verify whether, and to which extent the manipulation of patient’s microbiome can improve the outcome of chemotherapies. In the end, a potential of natural substances and feed ingredients to pose epigenetic changes is highlighted. The chapter provides an insight into the scientific proofs about natural bioactive substances in relation to cancer treatment, leaded by the question – do they really work?

Role of tumor suppressor molecules in genomic perturbations and damaged DNA repair involved in the pathogenesis of cancer and neurodegeneration (Review)

Genomic perturbations due to inaccurate DNA replication, including inappropriate chromosomal segregation often underlie the development of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The incidence of these two diseases increases with age and exhibits an inverse association. Therefore, elderly subjects with cancer exhibit a reduced risk of a neurodegenerative disease, and vice versa. Both of these diseases are associated with aging and share several risk factors. Cells have multiple mechanisms to repair DNA damage and inaccurate replication. Previous studies have demonstrated that tumor suppressor proteins serve a critical role in the DNA damage response, which may result in genomic instability and thus induction of cellular apoptosis. Tumor suppressor genes, such as phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) and TP53 reduce genomic susceptibility to cancer by repairing the damaged DNA. In addition, these genes work cooperatively to ensure the inhibition of the development of several types of cancer. PTEN, BRCA1 and TP53 have been recognized as the most frequently deleted and/or mutated genes in various types of human cancer. Recently, tumor suppressor genes have also been shown to be involved in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The present review summarizes the recent findings of the functions of these tumor suppressors that are associated with genomic stability, and are involved in carcinogenic and neurodegenerative cell signaling. A summary is presented regarding the interactions of these tumor suppressors with their partners which results in transduction of downstream signals. The implications of these functions for cancer and neurodegenerative disease-associated biology are also highlighted.

The Mediterranean Diet and Breast Cancer: A Personalised Approach

There have been many original and review articles summarizing the impact of nutrition and diet on breast cancer risk. However, very few consider the implication of genetic background and the effect of personalised nutrition on the risk and prognosis of breast cancer. A literature search was performed using the following databases: MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE (Ovid). The ensuing search terms were selected: genomics, nutrigenomics, breast cancer, breast neoplasms, cancer, nutrigenetics, diet-gene interaction, and Mediterranean, nutrition, polyphenols and diet. In this review, we discuss the Mediterranean-style diet and associated nutrients, evidence of benefit, impact on gene expression and evidence of interactions with genotype and how this interaction can modify breast cancer risk and progression. In addition, the impact of nutrients commonly associated with a Mediterranean-style diet, on breast cancer treatment, and synergistic effects are mentioned when modified by genotype. Some evidence exists around the benefit of a gene-based personalised diet based on a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern, but further evidence in the form of clinical trials is required before such an approach can be comprehensively implemented.

Beta protein 1 homeoprotein induces cell growth and estrogen-independent tumorigenesis by binding to the estrogen receptor in breast cancer

Expression of Beta Protein 1 (BP1), a homeotic transcription factor, increases during breast cancer progression and may be associated with tumor aggressiveness. In our present work, we investigate the influence of BP1 on breast tumor formation and size in vitro and in vivo. Cells overexpressing BP1 showed higher viability when grown in the absence of serum (p < 0.05), greater invasive potential (p < 0.05) and formed larger colonies (p < 0.004) compared with the controls. To determine the influence of BP1 overexpression on tumor characteristics, MCF-7 cells transfected with either empty vector (V1) or overexpressor plasmids (O2 and O4) were injected into the fat pads of athymic nude mice. Tumors grew larger in mice receiving O2 or O4 cells than in mice receiving V1 cells. Moreover, BP1 mRNA expression levels were positively correlated with tumor size in patients (p = 0.01). Interestingly, 20% of mice injected with O2 or O4 cells developed tumors in the absence of estrogen, while no mice receiving V1 cells developed tumors. Several mechanisms of estrogen independent tumor formation related to BP1 were established. These data are consistent with the fact that expression of breast cancer anti-estrogen resistance 1 (BCAR1) was increased in O2 compared to V1 cells (p < 0.01). Importantly, O2 cells exhibited increased proliferation when treated with tamoxifen, while V1 cells showed growth inhibition. Overall, BP1 overexpresssion in MCF-7 breast cancer cells leads to increased cell growth, estrogen-independent tumor formation, and increased proliferation. These findings suggest that BP1 may be an important biomarker and therapeutic target in ER positive breast cancer.

Resveratrol for breast cancer prevention and therapy: Preclinical evidence and molecular mechanisms

Globally, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women. The major unresolved problems with metastatic breast cancer is recurrence after receiving objective response to chemotherapy, drug-induced side effects of first line chemotherapy and delayed response to second line of treatment. Unfortunately, very few options are available as third line treatment. It is clear that under such circumstances there is an urgent need for new and effective drugs. Phytochemicals are among the most promising chemopreventive treatment options for the management of cancer. Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), a non-flavonoid polyphenol present in several dietary sources, including grapes, berries, soy beans, pomegranate and peanuts, has been shown to possess a wide range of health benefits through its effect on a plethora of molecular targets.The present review encompasses the role of resveratrol and its natural/synthetic analogue in the light of their efficacy against tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, epigenetic alterations and for induction of apoptosis as well as sensitization toward chemotherapeutic drugs in various in vitro and in vivo models of breast cancer. The roles of resveratrol as a phytoestrogen, an aromatase inhibitor and in stem cell therapy as well as adjuvent treatment are also discussed. This review explores the full potential of resveratrol in breast cancer prevention and treatment with current limitations, challenges and future directions of research.

Mediterranean diet for breast cancer prevention and treatment in postmenopausal women

Breast cancer has become a big oncological concern both in Poland and most countries around the world. Epidemiological studies show that women who are directly in danger of suffering from breast cancer are mainly postmenopausal women. Due to the seriousness of the problem more attention is devoted to preventative measures that should be undertaken. That is why, Mediterranean diet and its beneficial effects on health started to be discussed. This diet contains antioxidants and shows anti-inflammatory properties which are crucial in breast cancer prevention. Its components are fish, olive oil, unrefined cereals, herbs, fruits and vegetables. In 1960s there was research done on the influence of low fat diet, as a preventative measure, on coronary artery disease. In 1980s, an interest in this diet grew and there was a great come-back to the origins of the diet. It led to estimation of its influence on cardiological and cancer diseases. Many positive effects were observed among people living in the Mediterranean area as far as health qualities of the diet are concerned. Mediterranean diet was compared with high fat diet of people living in Northern Europe and the USA. It seems to create new dietary recommendations as a preventative measure in breast cancer disease. The following article presents most recent data on the importance of Mediterranean diet as a prevention against breast cancer.

Recent advances of resveratrol in nanostructured based delivery systems and in the management of HIV/AIDS

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound present in trees, in peanuts, in grapevines and exhibited multiple pharmacological activities. Extensive research in last two decades suggested that resveratrol possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-amyloid, anti-arthritic and antioxidant properties. Some clinical reports have proposed that resveratrol might be a potential candidate for the prevention and/or treatment of HIV/AIDS and synergistically enhances the anti-HIV-1 activity. Resveratrol is not toxic to cells, and by itself reduces viral replication by 20% to 30%. With almost 12% of the world population suffering from HIV/AIDS including its resurgence in the developed world, better management of this global threat is highly desired. Further, various studies demonstrated several issues associated with resveratrol which account for its poor systemic bioavailability (almost zero) due to rapid and extensive first pass metabolism and existence of enterohepatic recirculation. In order to improve bioavailability and cellular uptake of resveratrol, various strategies have been adopted to date which includes resveratrol prodrug and the development of nanostructured delivery systems. Besides, nanostructured delivery systems are also known to inhibit the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux, reduced metabolism by gut cytochrome P-450 enzymes, and circumnavigate the hepatic first-pass effect, facilitating absorption of drugs via intestinal lymphatic pathways. This review paper provides an updated bird's-eye view account on the publications and patents study on the recent novel approaches to deliver resveratrol in order to enhance oral bioavailability, overcome first pass metabolism and trounce enterohepatic recirculation to make resveratrol a therapeutically potent drug. Providing a relatively pithy overview, this paper thus presents recent advances of resveratrol for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Biological activity of 3-chloro-azetidin-2-one derivatives having interesting antiproliferative activity on human breast cancer cell lines

Resveratrol (3,4',5 tri-hydroxystilbene), a natural plant polyphenol, has gained interest as a non-toxic agent capable of inducing tumor cell death in a variety of cancer types. However, therapeutic application of these beneficial effects remains very limited due to its short biological half-life, labile properties, rapid metabolism and elimination. Different studies were undertaken to obtain synthetic analogs of resveratrol with major bioavailability and anticancer activity. We have synthesized a series 3-chloro-azetidin-2-one derivatives, in which an azetidinone nucleus connects two aromatic rings. Aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of these new 3-chloro-azetidin-2-one resveratrol derivatives on human breast cancer cell lines proliferation. Our results indicate that some azetidin-based resveratrol derivatives may become new potent alternative tools for the treatment of human breast cancer.

Epigenetic mechanisms in anti-cancer actions of bioactive food components--the implications in cancer prevention

The hallmarks of carcinogenesis are aberrations in gene expression and protein function caused by both genetic and epigenetic modifications. Epigenetics refers to the changes in gene expression programming that alter the phenotype in the absence of a change in DNA sequence. Epigenetic modifications, which include amongst others DNA methylation, covalent modifications of histone tails and regulation by non-coding RNAs, play a significant role in normal development and genome stability. The changes are dynamic and serve as an adaptation mechanism to a wide variety of environmental and social factors including diet. A number of studies have provided evidence that some natural bioactive compounds found in food and herbs can modulate gene expression by targeting different elements of the epigenetic machinery. Nutrients that are components of one-carbon metabolism, such as folate, riboflavin, pyridoxine, cobalamin, choline, betaine and methionine, affect DNA methylation by regulating the levels of S-adenosyl-L-methionine, a methyl group donor, and S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine, which is an inhibitor of enzymes catalyzing the DNA methylation reaction. Other natural compounds target histone modifications and levels of non-coding RNAs such as vitamin D, which recruits histone acetylases, or resveratrol, which activates the deacetylase sirtuin and regulates oncogenic and tumour suppressor micro-RNAs. As epigenetic abnormalities have been shown to be both causative and contributing factors in different health conditions including cancer, natural compounds that are direct or indirect regulators of the epigenome constitute an excellent approach in cancer prevention and potentially in anti-cancer therapy.

Administration of resveratrol: What formulation solutions to bioavailability limitations?

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene), a naturally occurring polyphenol, has attracted considerable interest for its beneficial potentials for human health, which include anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective and anti-tumor activities. However, the in vivo biological effects of resveratrol appear strongly limited by its low bioavailability, which is a barrier to the development of therapeutic applications. In this context, an increasing number of recent studies have aimed at designing novel resveratrol formulations to overcome its poor solubility, limited stability, high metabolization and weak bioavailability. This review outlines physicochemical and pharmacokinetic limitations to resveratrol bioavailability, describes formulations tested for resveratrol administration, controlled release and targeting, and identifies future opportunities for resveratrol delivery.

Breast cancer risk in relation to alcohol consumption and BRCA gene mutations--a case-only study of gene-environment interaction

The variable penetrance of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes suggests that other genetic or environmental factors may interact with these mutations to modify breast cancer risk. The objective of this study was to measure departures from multiplicative effects of alcohol consumption and BRCA gene mutations. A cohort of French-Canadian breast cancer patients was tested for BRCA gene mutations and completed a food frequency questionnaire. The case-only odds ratio (COR) was calculated. A total of 857 women, including 10 BRCA1 and 33 BRCA2 mutation carriers, participated in the study. No significant interaction between alcohol consumption and BRCA1 mutations was detected, although the interaction with wine consumption suggested a sub-multiplicative effect (COR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.08-1.81). Consumption of alcohol other than wine interacted significantly with BRCA2 mutations (COR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.03-4.49). Consumption of wine may protect against BRCA1-associated tumors, while women with BRCA2 mutations may be at greater risk of alcohol-induced breast cancer.

Multifaceted approach to resveratrol bioactivity: Focus on antioxidant action, cell signaling and safety

Resveratrol (RVT) is a naturally occurring trihydroxy stilbene that displays a wide spectrum of physiological activity. Its ability to behave therapeutically as a component of red wine has attracted wide attention. The phenol acts as a protective agent involving various body constituents. Most attention has been given to beneficial effects in insults involving cancer, aging, cardiovascular system, inflammation and the central nervous system. One of the principal modes of action appears to be as antioxidant. Other mechanistic pathways entail cell signaling, apoptosis and gene expression. There is an intriguing dichotomy in relation to pro-oxidant property. Also discussed are metabolism, receptor binding, rationale for safety and suggestions for future work. This is the first comprehensive review of RVT based on a broad, unifying mechanism.

Resveratrol prevents epigenetic silencing of BRCA-1 by the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor in human breast cancer cells

The BRCA-1 protein is a tumor suppressor involved in repair of DNA damage. Epigenetic mechanisms contribute to its reduced expression in sporadic breast tumors. Through diet, humans are exposed to a complex mixture of xenobiotics and natural ligands of the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which contributes to the etiology of various types of cancers. The AhR binds xenobiotics, endogenous ligands, and many natural dietary bioactive compounds, including the phytoalexin resveratrol (Res). In estrogen receptor- alpha (ER alpha )-positive and BRCA-1 wild-type MCF-7 breast cancer cells, we investigated the influence of AhR activation with the agonist 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorobenzo(p)dioxin (TCDD) on epigenetic regulation of the BRCA-1 gene and the preventative effects of Res. We report that activation and recruitment of the AhR to the BRCA-1 promoter hampers 17 beta -estradiol (E2)-dependent stimulation of BRCA-1 transcription and protein levels. These inhibitory effects are paralleled by reduced occupancy of ER alpha , acetylated histone (AcH)-4, and AcH3K9. Conversely, the treatment with TCDD increases the association of mono-methylated-H3K9, DNA-methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1), and methyl-binding domain protein-2 with the BRCA-1 promoter and stimulates the accumulation of DNA strand breaks. The AhR-dependent repression of BRCA-1 expression is reversed by small interference for the AhR and DNMT1 or pretreatment with Res, which reduces TCDD-induced DNA strand breaks. These results support the hypothesis that epigenetic silencing of the BRCA-1 gene by the AhR is preventable with Res and provide the molecular basis for the development of dietary strategies based on natural AhR antagonists.

Alcohol consumption and the risk of breast cancer among BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer among women in the general population, but its effect on women who carry a BRCA gene mutation is unclear. We conducted a case-control study of 1925 matched pairs of predominantly premenopausal women who carry a BRCA1 or a BRCA2 mutation. Information on current alcohol consumption was obtained from a questionnaire administered during the course of genetic counselling or at the time of enrollment. A modest inverse association between breast cancer and reported current alcohol consumption was observed among women with a BRCA1 mutation (OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.70-0.96), but not among women with a BRCA2 mutation (OR = 1.00; 95% CI 0.71-1.41). Compared to non-drinkers, exclusive consumption of wine was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of breast cancer among BRCA1 carriers (p-trend = 0.01). Alcohol consumption does not appear to increase breast cancer risk in women carrying a BRCA gene mutation.

Resveratrol: its biologic targets and functional activity

The polyphenolic phytoalexin resveratrol (RSV) and its analogues have received tremendous attention over the past couple of decades because of a number of reports highlighting their benefits in vitro and in vivo in a variety of human disease models, including cardio- and neuroprotection, immune regulation, and cancer chemoprevention. These studies have underscored the high degree of diversity in terms of the signaling networks and cellular effector mechanisms that are affected by RSV. The activity of RSV has been linked to cell-surface receptors, membrane signaling pathways, intracellular signal-transduction machinery, nuclear receptors, gene transcription, and metabolic pathways. The promise shown by RSV has prompted heightened interest in studies aimed at translating these observations to clinical settings. In this review, we present a comprehensive account of the basic chemistry of RSV, its bioavailability, and its multiple intracellular target proteins and signaling pathways.

Resveratrol and chemoprevention

Resveratrol is a phytoalexin, highly abundant in skins of red grapes and moderately abundant in peanuts and blueberries. Originally a constituent of oriental medicines, it has lately been rediscovered for a plethora of beneficial properties such as anti-cancer, anti-aging, antiviral, cardiovascular and neuroprotective effects, thereby making it one of the most sought after phytochemicals for supplementing human diet. Studies done in various laboratories have shown its modulatory effects on multitudes of cell signaling and gene expression pathways. Although most of its effects have been observed in cultured cells, quite a few have also been validated in whole animals as well. It is thus necessary to have a comprehensive look at all those effects of resveratrol in an organismal context. The following review summarizes the effects of resveratrol in the context of chemoprevention.

Cancer chemoprevention through dietary antioxidants: progress and promise

It is estimated that nearly one-third of all cancer deaths in the United States could be prevented through appropriate dietary modification. Various dietary antioxidants have shown considerable promise as effective agents for cancer prevention by reducing oxidative stress which has been implicated in the development of many diseases, including cancer. Therefore, for reducing the incidence of cancer, modifications in dietary habits, especially by increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, are increasingly advocated. Accumulating research evidence suggests that many dietary factors may be used alone or in combination with traditional chemotherapeutic agents to prevent the occurrence of cancer, their metastatic spread, or even to treat cancer. The reduced cancer risk and lack of toxicity associated with high intake of fruits and vegetables suggest that specific concentrations of antioxidant agents from these dietary sources may produce cancer chemopreventive effects without causing significant levels of toxicity. This review presents an extensive analysis of the key findings from studies on the effects of dietary antioxidants such as tea polyphenols, curcumin, genistein, resveratrol, lycopene, pomegranate, and lupeol against cancers of the skin, prostate, breast, lung, and liver. This research is also leading to the identification of novel cancer drug targets.

Nutrigenomics and antioxidants

Since the complete sequencing of the human genome, the era of the ‘omics’ has appeared. Among them, a new discipline called ‘nutrigenomics’ emerged from the interface of nutrition research and genetics. Its aim is to understand how nutrients modulate gene expression. This powerful tool allows determinination of new biomarkers and the molecular pathways by which our diet may have a potential protective effect against degenerative diseases such as cancer. On one hand, cellular metabolism produces continuous oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species with mutagenic and oncogenic effects. On the other hand, diet provides natural antioxidants present in various fruits and vegetables that may prevent diseases. This review first reports the main antioxidants provided by diet and the main results from epidemiological studies of their role in health. Second, we describe how nutrigenomics could provide new insights into nutrition research and innovative developments through neutraceutical products and a personalized medicine.

Differential expression of genes induced by resveratrol in human breast cancer cell lines

The phytoalexin, trans-resveratrol (RES), is a polyphenolic compound found in plants and fruits that seems to have a wide spectrum of biological activities. It has been found to possess cancer chemopreventive effects by inhibiting diverse cellular events associated with tumor initiation, promotion, and progression. RES is also a phytoestrogen, which binds to and activates estrogen receptors (ERs) that regulate the transcription of estrogen-responsive target genes. We used two human breast tumor cell lines (MCF7 and MBA-MB-231) and one fibrocystic breast cell line (MCF10a) to examine whether RES altered mRNA expression of genes that are involved in biological pathway frequently altered during carcinogenesis. Two GEarray systems were used to screen the differentially expressed genes between RES-treated cells and control cells. The differentially expressed genes were analyzed further by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Here, we demonstrate that RES regulates mRNA expression of several genes involved in cell cycle control, apoptosis, metastasis, cell-cell adhesion, and ER signaling pathway. This effect of RES on the gene expression appears in correlation with chemoprevention activities of RES described previously. RES is also found to be more active in ER+ than ER- cells.

Soya phytonutrients act on a panel of genes implicated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 oncosuppressors in human breast cell lines

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and a significant cause of death. Mutations of the oncosuppressor genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 are associated with a hereditary risk of breast cancer, and dysregulation of their expression has been observed in sporadic cases. Soya isoflavones have been shown to inhibit breast cancer in studies in vitro, but associations between the consumption of isoflavone-containing foods and breast cancer risk have varied in epidemiological studies. Soya is a unique source of the phytoestrogens daidzein (4',7-dihydroxyisoflavone) and genistein (4',5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone), two molecules that are able to inhibit the proliferation of human breast cancer cells in vitro. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of genistein (5 microg/ml) and daidzein (20 microg/ml) on transcription in three human breast cell lines (one dystrophic, MCF10a, and two malignant, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) after 72 h treatment. The different genes involved in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathways (GADD45A, BARD1, JUN, BAX, RB1, ERalpha, ERbeta, BAP1, TNFalpha, p53, p21Waf1/Cip1, p300, RAD51, pS2, Ki-67) were quantified by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, using the TaqMan method and an ABI Prism 7700 Sequence Detector (Applied Biosystems). We observed that, in response to treatment, many of these genes were overexpressed in the breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) but not in the dystrophic cell line (MCF10a).

Resveratrol and breast cancer chemoprevention: molecular mechanisms

Despite years of intensive research, breast cancer remains a major cause of death among women. New strategies to combat breast cancer are being developed, one of the most exciting of which is the use of chemopreventive agents. Resveratrol (RES) is a polyphenolic compound found in plants that seems to have a wide spectrum of biological activity. RES has been shown to afford protection against several types of cancer. This review summarizes the chemopreventive effects of RES at the three major stages of breast carcinogenesis: initiation, promotion, and progression. It has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may induce apoptosis as well as modulate cell cycle and estrogen receptor function in breast cancer cell lines. Although RES has shown remarkable promise as a potent chemopreventive agent in breast cancer, further studies are needed to etablish its usefulness.