Whole blueberry powder modulates the growth and metastasis of MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast tumors in nude mice

Experimental Studies on the Therapeutic Potential of Vaccinium Berries in Breast Cancer-A Review

Breast cancer (BC) is the largest contributor to cancer deaths in women worldwide. Various parts of plants, including fruits, are known for their therapeutic properties and are used in traditional medicine. Fruit species exhibit anticancer activities due to the presence of bioactive natural compounds such as flavonoids and carotenoids. The Vaccinium spp. are fleshy berry-like drupes and are rich in bioactive compounds, with flavonols, flavanols, chalcones, and phenolic acids as the major groups of compounds. While there is clear evidence linking Vaccinium berries with a decreased risk of BC both in in vivo and in vitro experiments, the exact mechanisms involved in the protective effects of Vaccinium spp. rich extracts on BC cells are not fully understood. Thus, the purpose of this review is to highlight the mechanisms of action involved in the therapeutic potential of Vaccinium berries against BC in experimental models.

Analysis of the Polyphenolic Composition of Vaccinium L. Extracts and Their Protective Effect on Red Blood Cell Membranes

The blueberry fruit of the genus Vaccinium, including high blueberry, low blueberry, and wild bilberry, is consumed for its flavor and medicinal properties. The purpose of the experiments was to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of the interaction of blueberry fruit polyphenol extracts with the erythrocytes and their membranes. The content of polyphenolic compounds in the extracts was determined using the chromatographic UPLC-ESI-MS method. The effects of the extracts on red blood cell shape changes, hemolysis and osmotic resistance were examined. Changes in the order of packing and fluidity of the erythrocyte membrane and the lipid membrane model caused by the extracts were identified using fluorimetric methods. Erythrocyte membrane oxidation was induced by two agents: AAPH compound and UVC radiation. The results show that the tested extracts are a rich source of low molecular weight polyphenols that bind to the polar groups of the erythrocyte membrane, changing the properties of its hydrophilic area. However, they practically do not penetrate the hydrophobic part of the membrane and do not damage its structure. Research results suggest that the components of the extracts can defend the organism against oxidative stress if they are delivered to the organism in the form of dietary supplements.

Mechanism-Driven and Clinically Focused Development of Botanical Foods as Multitarget Anticancer Medicine: Collective Perspectives and Insights from Preclinical Studies, IND Applications and Early-Phase Clinical Trials

Cancer progression and mortality remain challenging because of current obstacles and limitations in cancer treatment. Continuous efforts are being made to explore complementary and alternative approaches to alleviate the suffering of cancer patients. Epidemiological and nutritional studies have indicated that consuming botanical foods is linked to a lower risk of cancer incidence and/or improved cancer prognosis after diagnosis. From these observations, a variety of preclinical and clinical studies have been carried out to evaluate the potential of botanical food products as anticancer medicines. Unfortunately, many investigations have been poorly designed, and encouraging preclinical results have not been translated into clinical success. Botanical products contain a wide variety of chemicals, making them more difficult to study than traditional drugs. In this review, with the consideration of the regulatory framework of the USFDA, we share our collective experiences and lessons learned from 20 years of defining anticancer foods, focusing on the critical aspects of preclinical studies that are required for an IND application, as well as the checkpoints needed for early-phase clinical trials. We recommend a developmental pipeline that is based on mechanisms and clinical considerations.

Chemopreventive and therapeutic properties of anthocyanins in breast cancer: A comprehensive review

Anthocyanins have received the attention of the scientific community because of their antioxidant, antimetastatic, and cancer-inhibitory properties. The aim of this review is to comprehensively summarize the possible mechanisms by which anthocyanins exhibit anticarcinogenic properties in breast cancer (BC) cell lines and animal models. Anthocyanins inhibit proinflammatory, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell pathways and increase the activities of detoxification enzymes. In addition, downregulation of metalloproteinases by anthocyanins inhibits tumor invasion and metastatic processes in experimental systems. Anthocyanins mediate anticancer and angiogenic effects by modifying multiple receptor families. Furthermore, inhibition of cell-cycle upstream polo-like kinase signaling, the chromosomal replication checkpoint, and ataxia telangiectasia mutated signaling may contribute to the anticarcinogenic effects of anthocyanins. Finally, anthocyanins induce mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and downregulate the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT/mTOR pathway. In conclusion, anthocyanins have been shown to exert potential antitumor effects against breast carcinogenesis in vitro and in vivo, providing insights into the use of anthocyanins as a natural chemopreventive intervention in BC.

Prospects of ultrasonically extracted food bioactives in the field of non-invasive biomedical applications - A review

Foods incorporated with bioactive compounds, called nutraceuticals, can fight or prevent or alleviate diseases. The contribution of nutraceuticals or phytochemicals to non-invasive biomedical applications is increasing. Although there are many traditional methods for extracting bioactive compounds or secondary metabolites, these processes come with many disadvantages like lower yield, longer process time, high energy consumption, more usage of solvent, yielding low active principles with low efficacy against diseases, poor quality, poor mass transfer, higher extraction temperature, etc. However, nullifying all these disadvantages of a non-thermal technology, ultrasound has played a significant role in delivering them with higher yield and improved bio-efficacy. The physical and chemical effects of acoustic cavitation are the crux of the output. This review paper primarily discusses the ultrasound-assisted extraction (USAE) of bioactives in providing non-invasive prevention and cure to diseases and bodily dysfunctions in human and animal models. The outputs of non-invasive bioactive components in terms of yield and the clinical efficacy in either in vitro or in vitro conditions are discussed in detail. The non-invasive biomedical applications of USAE bioactives providing anticancer, antioxidant, cardiovascular health, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial benefits are analyzed in-depth and appraised. This review additionally highlights the improved performance of USAE compounds against conventionally extracted compounds. In addition, an exhaustive analysis is performed on the role and application of the food bioactives in vivo and in vitro systems, mainly for promoting these efficient USAE bioactives in non-invasive biomedical applications. Also, the review explores the recovery of bioactives from the less explored food sources like cactus pear fruit, ash gourd, sweet granadilla, basil, kokum, baobab, and the food processing industrial wastes like peel, pomace, propolis, wine residues, bran, etc., which is rare in literature.

Realizing the Potential of Blueberry as Natural Inhibitor of Metastasis and Powerful Apoptosis Inducer: Tapping the Treasure Trove for Effective Regulation of Cell Signaling Pathways

Blueberries belong to the genus Vaccinium of the family Ericaceae. Rapidly accumulating experimentally verified data is uncovering the tremendous pharmacological properties of biologically active constituents of blueberries against different diseases. Our rapidly evolving knowledge about the multifaceted nature of cancer has opened new horizons to search for different strategies to target multiple effectors of oncogenic networks to effectively inhibit cancer onset and progression. Excitingly, whole blueberry powder and various bioactive constituents (pterostilbene, malvidin-3-galactoside) of blueberries have been shown to efficiently inhibit metastasis in animal models. These results are encouraging and future studies must focus on the identification of cell signaling pathways effectively modulated by blueberries in different cancers. It seems exciting to note that researchers are focusing on metastasis inhibitory effects of blueberry; however, to reap full benefits, it is necessary to take a step back and critically re-interpret the mechanisms used by active components of blueberry to inhibit or prevent metastasis. JAK/STAT, TGF/SMAD, Notch, SHH/GLI, and Wnt/ β-Catenin have been shown to be directly involved in the regulation of metastasis. However, because of limited studies, it is difficult to critically assess the true potential of blueberry. Loss of apoptosis, metastasis and deregulation of signaling pathways are branching trajectories of molecular oncology. Accordingly, we have to emphasize on these essential facets to realistically claim blueberry as "Superfood". Different clinical trials have been conducted to gather clinical evidence about the chemopreventive role of blueberry or its bioactive components in cancer patients. But it seems clear that because of the lack of sufficient proof-of-concept studies, we cannot extract significant information about the transition of blueberry into the next phases of clinical trials. Overview of the existing scientific evidence revealed visible knowledge gaps and a better understanding of the targets of blueberry will be helpful in efficient and meaningful translation of laboratory findings to clinically effective therapeutics.

Postdiagnostic Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Breast Cancer Survival: Prospective Analyses in the Nurses' Health Studies

Fruits and vegetables contain many bioactive components that may contribute to improved survival after diagnosis of breast cancer, however, evidence to date is insufficient. We prospectively assessed the associations of postdiagnostic fruit and vegetable consumption with breast cancer-specific and all-cause mortality among 8,927 women with stage I-III breast cancer identified during follow-up of the Nurses' Health Study (NHS; 1980-2010) and NHSII (1991-2011), using a validated food frequency questionnaire completed every 4 years after diagnosis. We prospectively documented 2,521 deaths, including 1,070 from breast cancer through follow-up until 2014 in the NHS and 2015 in the NHSII. Total fruit and vegetable and total vegetable consumption was related to lower all-cause [HRQ5vsQ1, 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.71-0.94; P trend = 0.004, and HRQ5vsQ1, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.72-0.97; P trend = 0.001, respectively], but not breast cancer-specific mortality. Total fruit consumption was not related to breast cancer-specific or all-cause mortality. Greater intake of green leafy and cruciferous vegetables was associated with lower all-cause mortality. Each 2 servings/week of blueberries was associated with a 25% (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60-0.94) lower breast cancer-specific and a 17% (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.72-0.96) lower all-cause mortality. In contrast, higher fruit juice consumption was associated with higher breast cancer-specific (HRQ5vsQ1, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.09-1.63; P trend = 0.002) and all-cause mortality (HRQ5vsQ1, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.04-1.36; P trend = 0.003). Apple juice largely accounted for these higher risks and orange juice was not associated with risk. Higher postdiagnostic fruit and vegetable consumption among breast cancer survivors was not associated with breast cancer-specific mortality. However, our findings suggest that higher vegetable consumption, particularly green leafy and cruciferous vegetables, was associated with better overall survival among patients with breast cancer. Higher fruit juice consumption, but not orange juice, was associated with poorer breast cancer-specific and all-cause survival. SIGNIFICANCE: A large-scale study shows that high fruit and vegetable consumption may be associated with better overall survival among breast cancer patients, while high fruit juice consumption may be associated with poorer porgnosis.

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and migration and invasion of breast cancer cells by upregulating KLF4

Background

Anthocyanins (ACNs) are capable of suppressing breast cancer growth; however, investigation on the effect and mechanism of ACNs on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cell migration and invasion in breast cancer cells is limited. A complete understanding of those properties may provide useful information on of how to use these natural compounds for cancer prevention and treatment.

Objectives

The aim of this work was to investigate the role of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (Cy3G), one of the most widely distributed ACNs in edible fruits, in the EMT process, and cell migration and invasion of breast cancer cells, and its underlying molecular mechanisms of how Cy3G establishes these functional roles in these cells.

Methods

MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells were treated with Cy3G (20 μM) for 24 h, and then the cells were used for cell migration and invasion assay. Western blotting, luciferase assay, ubiquitination assay, gene knockdown, and cycloheximide chase assay were performed to analyze the molecular mechanisms of Cy3G in suppressing EMT, and cell migration and invasion.

Results

Cy3G inhibited the EMT process in these cells and significantly suppressed the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells (P ≤ 0.05) by upregulating Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) expression at protein level. KLF4 knockdown in MDA-MB-231 cells did not reveal any change in EMT marker expression, and cell migration and invasion upon treatment with Cy3G (P ≥ 0.05), which strongly indicated that the effects of Cy3G were mediated by KLF4. Furthermore, we determined that Cy3G indirectly upregulated KLF4 expression by downregulating FBXO32, which is the E3 ligase of KLF4.

Conclusion

Cy3G is a potential anticancer reagent as it can inhibit EMT and breast cancer cell migration and invasion by upregulating KLF4.

Fruits

Fruits come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and flavors. This chapter will cover selected fruits that are known to be healthy and highly nutritious. These fruits were chosen due to their common usage and availability. Since it is not possible to cover all health benefits or essential nutrients and important phytochemicals of the fruit composition, this chapter will focus on the key valuable constituents and their potential health effects.

Addition of docosahexaenoic acid synergistically enhances the efficacy of apatinib for triple-negative breast cancer therapy

The current study aimed to investigate the antitumor and antiangiogenesis effects of apatinib in triple-negative breast cancer in vitro and also whether the combination of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and apatinib is more effective than apatinib monotherapy. The cell counting kit-8 assay was used to measure cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was utilized to determine the cell apoptosis rate. A wound healing assay was utilized to assess cell migration. Western blot analysis was carried out to determine the effects of apatinib and DHA on Bcl-2, BAX, cleaved caspase-3, caspase-3, phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), and Akt expression. DHA in combination with apatinib showed enhanced inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and migration compared with apatinib or DHA monotherapy. Meanwhile, DHA combined with apatinib strongly increased the cell apoptosis percentage. DHA was observed to enhance the antitumor and antiangiogenesis effects of apatinib via further downregulation of p-Akt expression.Abbreviations: FITC: fluorescein isothiocyanate; PI: propidium iodide.

Dietary phytochemicals in breast cancer research: anticancer effects and potential utility for effective chemoprevention

Cancerous tissue transformation developing usually over years or even decades of life is a highly complex process involving strong stressors damaging DNA, chronic inflammation, comprehensive interaction between relevant molecular pathways, and cellular cross-talk within the neighboring tissues. Only the minor part of all cancer cases are caused by inborn predisposition; the absolute majority carry a sporadic character based on modifiable risk factors which play a central role in cancer prevention. Amongst most promising candidates for dietary supplements are bioactive phytochemicals demonstrating strong anticancer effects. Abundant evidence has been collected for beneficial effects of flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids, and organosulfur compounds affecting a number of cancer-related pathways. Phytochemicals may positively affect processes of cell signaling, cell cycle regulation, oxidative stress response, and inflammation. They can modulate non-coding RNAs, upregulate tumor suppressive miRNAs, and downregulate oncogenic miRNAs that synergically inhibits cancer cell growth and cancer stem cell self-renewal. Potential clinical utility of the phytochemicals is discussed providing examples for chemoprevention against and therapy for human breast cancer. Expert recommendations are provided in the context of preventive medicine.

Cyanidin-3-o-glucoside directly binds to ERα36 and inhibits EGFR-positive triple-negative breast cancer

Anthocyanins have been shown to inhibit the growth and metastatic potential of breast cancer (BC) cells. However, the effects of individual anthocyanins on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have not yet been studied. In this study, we found that cyanidin-3-o-glucoside (Cy-3-glu) preferentially promotes the apoptosis of TNBC cells, which co-express the estrogen receptor alpha 36 (ERα36) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We demonstrated that Cy-3-glu directly binds to the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of ERα36, inhibits EGFR/AKT signaling, and promotes EGFR degradation. We also confirmed the therapeutic efficacy of Cy-3-glu on TNBC in the xenograft mouse model. Our data indicates that Cy-3-glu could be a novel preventive/therapeutic agent against the TNBC co-expressed ERα36/EGFR.

α-Tocopherol succinate enhances pterostilbene anti-tumor activity in human breast cancer cells in vivo and in vitro

Vitamin E (Vit. E) is considered an essential dietary nutrient for humans and animals. An enormous body of evidence indicates the biological and protective effects of Vit. E consumption. Tocopherol-associated protein (TAP) is a major tocopherol-binding protein affecting Vit. E stimulation and downstream signaling transduction. However, how Vit. E utilizes TAP as an anti-cancer mechanism remains unclear. Microarray analysis of signature gene profiles in breast cancer cells treated with α-tocopheryl succinate (α-TOS, a Vit. E isoform) resulted in cell cycle arrest and anti-cancer activity in breast cancer cells. Pterostilbene (PS), a natural dietary antioxidant found in blueberries, in combination with α-TOS synergistically maximized breast cancer cell growth inhibition by disrupting signal transduction, transcription factors and cell cycle proteins. In a xenograft mouse model, PS treatment with Vit. E inhibited breast tumor growth and cell invasion, which were evaluated using our recently developed circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection assay. Because dietary Vit. E and PS supplementation contributed to preventative and therapeutic effects in vitro and in vivo, this combination may benefit breast cancer therapy in the clinic.

Are plant-based functional foods better choice against cancer than single phytochemicals? A critical review of current breast cancer research

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. Over 90% of all breast cancer cases are of different 'sporadic' cell types, thus placing emphasis on the need for breast cancer prevention and new effective treatment strategies. In recent years, pre-clinical research provides growing evidence regarding the beneficial action of bioactive plant-derived substances - phytochemicals, on multiple cancer-related biological pathways. The important natural source of various phytochemicals with anti-oncogenic properties are plant-based functional foods. It is hypothesized that a significant anti-tumour activity of plant-based functional foods are the result of a combination of various phytochemicals rather than an isolated agent. The mixture of phytochemicals with various biological activities present in whole foods could have additive or synergistic effects against carcinogenesis. Clinically, it is very important to compare the effect of the isolated phytochemicals against the mixture of phytochemicals present in specific plant-based functional foods. Therefore, the purpose of this review article is to compare anticancer activities of isolated phytochemicals and plant-based functional foods for the prevention and therapy of breast carcinoma. Our conclusion supports the hypothesis that a mixture of wide range of phytochemicals with a plethora of biological activities present in whole plant-derived foods could have additive or synergistic effects against breast cancer. Although, the lack of parallel comparative studies between whole natural foods versus isolated plant compounds limits our conclusion, future pre-clinical and clinical studies evaluating this issue is required.

Antioxidant and anticancer properties of berries

The enduring relationship between dietary patterns and human health has led us to investigate the bioactive components present in fruits and vegetables for a very long time. Berries, notably the popular ones such as strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, and the Indian gooseberry, are among the best known dietary sources due to the presence of a wide range of bioactive nutritive components. Bioactive components in berries include phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins apart from vitamins, minerals, sugars, and fibers. Individually or synergistically, these have been shown to provide protection against several disorders. Mounting evidence suggests that consumption of berries confer antioxidant and anticancer protection to humans and animals. Free radical scavenging, protection from DNA damage, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of growth and proliferation of cancer cells are just to name a few. This review comprehensively summarizes the key phytochemicals present in berries and their biological action in preventing oxidative stress and carcinogenesis.

DNA Microarray-Based Screening and Characterization of Traditional Chinese Medicine

The application of DNA microarray assay (DMA) has entered a new era owing to recent innovations in omics technologies. This review summarizes recent applications of DMA-based gene expression profiling by focusing on the screening and characterizationof traditional Chinese medicine. First, herbs, mushrooms, and dietary plants analyzed by DMA along with their effective components and their biological/physiological effects are summarized and discussed by examining their comprehensive list and a list of representative effective chemicals. Second, the mechanisms of action of traditional Chinese medicine are summarized by examining the genes and pathways responsible for the action, the cell functions involved in the action, and the activities found by DMA (silent estrogens). Third, applications of DMA for traditional Chinese medicine are discussed by examining reported examples and new protocols for its use in quality control. Further innovations in the signaling pathway based evaluation of beneficial effects and the assessment of potential risks of traditional Chinese medicine are expected, just as are observed in other closely related fields, such as the therapeutic, environmental, nutritional, and pharmacological fields.

Antitumor Effects of Sorbus aucuparia L. Extract Highly Saturated with Anthocyans and Their Mechanisms

The effects of Fructus Sorbi aucupariae extract, originally saturated with anthocyans, on the development of Lewis lung carcinoma and B-16 melanoma in C57Bl/6 mice and the efficiency of cyclophosphamide treatment were studied. Antitumor activity of the extract and potentiation of the antimetastatic activity of the cytostatic were demonstrated. Studies on melanoma B-16 model revealed an increase in the counts of stromal progenitor cells in the tumor node and their accelerated maturation after treatment with the extract. No effects towards the tumor stem and committed cells were detected.

Inhibition of the metastatic progression of breast and colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo in murine model by the oxidovanadium(IV) complex with luteolin

The anticancer and antimetastatic behavior of the flavonoid luteolin and its oxidovanadium(IV) complex [VO(lut)(H₂O)₂]Na·3H₂O (VOlut) has been investigated. Considering that the complex displayed strong anticancer activity on MDAMB231 human breast cancer cell line we herein determined through in vitro assays that the complex would probably reduce breast cancer cell metastasis in a higher extent than the natural antioxidant. In the CT26 colon cancer cell line a stronger anticancer effect has also been determined for the complex (IC₅₀ 0.9μM) and in addition it did not exert toxic effects on normal colon epithelial cells at concentrations up to 10μM. Working with a murine model of highly aggressive, orthotopic colon cancer model (CT26 cancer cell lines) it has been determined that the complex might prevent metastatic dissemination of the colon cancer cells to the liver. The flavonoid luteolin also exerted anticancer effects (at a low degree, IC₅₀ 5.9μM) on CT26 cell line and produced a 24% reduction of colon cancer liver metastasis.

Reducing Breast Cancer Recurrence: The Role of Dietary Polyphenolics

Evidence from numerous observational and clinical studies suggest that polyphenolic phytochemicals such as phenolic acids in olive oil, flavonols in tea, chocolate and grapes, and isoflavones in soy products reduce the risk of breast cancer. A dietary food pattern naturally rich in polyphenols is the Mediterranean diet and evidence suggests those of Mediterranean descent have a lower breast cancer incidence. Whilst dietary polyphenols have been the subject of breast cancer risk-reduction, this review will focus on the clinical effects of polyphenols on reducing recurrence. Overall, we recommend breast cancer patients consume a diet naturally high in flavonol polyphenols including tea, vegetables (onion, broccoli), and fruit (apples, citrus). At least five servings of vegetables and fruit daily appear protective. Moderate soy protein consumption (5-10 g daily) and the Mediterranean dietary pattern show the most promise for breast cancer patients. In this review, we present an overview of clinical trials on supplementary polyphenols of dietary patterns rich in polyphenols on breast cancer recurrence, mechanistic data, and novel delivery systems currently being researched.

Prevention of hormonal breast cancer by dietary jamun

SCOPE

Syzygium cumini (jamun) is perhaps the only berry that has the diversity of anthocyanidins of blueberry and bilberry and the abundance of ellagitannins/ellagic acid of black raspberry. Here, we report the potential of jamun against 17β-estrogen-mediated breast cancer and the role of miRNAs and other targets in disease inhibition.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Female August-Copenhagen Irish rats were given AIN-93M diet or diet supplemented with jamun. Two weeks later, animals received 17β-estradiol and were palpated weekly for the mammary tumors. At the end of 26 weeks, the jamun-diet significantly delayed the first tumor appearance by 21 days, and reduced the tumor incidence (65% versus 96%), tumor burden (313 ± 95 versus 661 ± 123 mm(3) ) and tumor multiplicity (1.8 ± 0.3 versus 4.2 ± 0.4 tumors/rat) compared to control. The experimental diet significantly reduced the estrogen-associated growth of pituitary prolactinomas, circulating prolactin and estradiol levels and offset estrogen-associated increases in mammary cell-proliferation, estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α), and cyclinD1. miRNAs that were either overexpressed (miR-182 and miR-375) or underexpressed (miR-127 and miR-206) following estrogen-treatment were significantly protected by jamun diet.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, our data show that jamun significantly offset estrogen-mediated alterations in mammary cell-proliferation, ER-α, cyclinD1, and candidate miRNAs, and that the modulation of these biomarkers correlated with a reduction in mammary carcinogenicity.

Curcumin inhibits PhIP induced cytotoxicity in breast epithelial cells through multiple molecular targets

Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), found in cooked meat, is a known food carcinogen that causes several types of cancer, including breast cancer, as PhIP metabolites produce DNA adduct and DNA strand breaks. Curcumin, obtained from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, has potent anticancer activity. To date, no study has examined the interaction of PhIP with curcumin in breast epithelial cells. The present study demonstrates the mechanisms by which curcumin inhibits PhIP-induced cytotoxicity in normal breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A). Curcumin significantly inhibited PhIP-induced DNA adduct formation and DNA double stand breaks with a concomitant decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The expression of Nrf2, FOXO targets; DNA repair genes BRCA-1, H2AFX and PARP-1; and tumor suppressor P16 was studied to evaluate the influence on these core signaling pathways. PhIP induced the expression of various antioxidant and DNA repair genes. However, co-treatment with curcumin inhibited this expression. PhIP suppressed the expression of the tumor suppressor P16 gene, whereas curcumin co-treatment increased its expression. Caspase-3 and -9 were slightly suppressed by curcumin with a consequent inhibition of cell death. These results suggest that curcumin appears to be an effective anti-PhIP food additive likely acting through multiple molecular targets.

Lung-derived factors mediate breast cancer cell migration through CD44 receptor-ligand interactions in a novel ex vivo system for analysis of organ-specific soluble proteins

Breast cancer preferentially metastasizes to lung, lymph node, liver, bone, and brain. However, it is unclear whether properties of cancer cells, properties of organ microenvironments, or a combination of both is responsible for this observed organ tropism. We hypothesized that breast cancer cells exhibit distinctive migration/growth patterns in organ microenvironments that mirror common clinical sites of breast cancer metastasis and that receptor-ligand interactions between breast cancer cells and soluble organ-derived factors mediate this behavior. Using an ex vivo model system composed of organ-conditioned media (CM), human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231,MDA-MB-468, SUM149, and SUM159) displayed cell line-specific and organ-specific patterns of migration/proliferation that corresponded to their in vivo metastatic behavior. Notably, exposure to lung-CM increased migration of all cell lines and increased proliferation in two of four lines (P < .05). Several cluster of differentiation (CD) 44 ligands including osteopontin (OPN) and L-selectin (SELL) were identified in lung-CM by protein arrays. Immunodepletion of SELL decreased migration of MDA-MB-231 cells, whereas depletion of OPN decreased both migration and proliferation. Pretreatment of cells with a CD44-blocking antibody abrogated migration effects (P < .05). "Stemlike" breast cancer cells with high aldehyde dehydrogenase and CD44 (ALDH(hi)CD44(+)) responded in a distinct chemotactic manner toward organ-CM, preferentially migrating toward lung-CM through CD44 receptor-ligand interactions (P < .05). In contrast, organ-specific changes in migration were not observed for ALDH(low)CD44(-) cells. Our data suggest that interactions between CD44(+) breast cancer cells and soluble factors present in the lung microenvironment may play an important role in determining organotropic metastatic behavior.

2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is selectively toxic to primary dopaminergic neurons in vitro

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Much data has linked the etiology of PD to a variety of environmental factors. The majority of cases are thought to arise from a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Chronic exposures to dietary factors, including meat, have been identified as potential risk factors. Although heterocyclic amines that are produced during high-temperature meat cooking are known to be carcinogenic, their effect on the nervous system has yet to be studied in depth. In this study, we investigated neurotoxic effects of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), a highly abundant heterocyclic amine in cooked meat, in vitro. We tested toxicity of PhIP and the two major phase I metabolites, N-OH-PhIP and 4'-OH-PhIP, using primary mesencephalic cultures from rat embryos. This culture system contains both dopaminergic and nondopaminergic neurons, which allows specificity of neurotoxicity to be readily examined. We find that exposure to PhIP or N-OH-PhIP is selectively toxic to dopaminergic neurons in primary cultures, resulting in a decreased percentage of dopaminergic neurons. Neurite length is decreased in surviving dopaminergic neurons. Exposure to 4'-OH-PhIP did not produce significant neurotoxicity. PhIP treatment also increased formation of oxidative damage markers, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) and 3-nitrotyrosine in dopaminergic neurons. Pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine was protective. Finally, treatment with blueberry extract, a dietary factor with known antioxidant and other protective mechanisms, prevented PhIP-induced toxicity. Collectively, our study suggests, for the first time, that PhIP is selectively toxic to dopaminergic neurons likely through inducing oxidative stress.

The antibiofilm effect of blueberry fruit cultivars against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The antibiofilm and antibacterial properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis and chemical characterization of six hydroethanolic blueberry extracts (blueberry rabbiteye-Vaccinium virgatum) from different cultivars and means of propagation were investigated. The total flavonoid, anthocyanin, and phenolic contents were determined by specific and well-established methods. Among the cultivars, Briteblue showed the lowest content of all metabolites analyzed, while Bluegem showed the highest concentrations of these compounds. All the micropropagated cultivars presented the highest amounts of chlorogenic acid. The blueberry fruit extracts showed strong activity against S. epidermidis biofilm (up to 84% inhibition) without inhibiting bacterial growth. Likewise, Bluegem micropropagated extract, which had the highest anthocyanin, flavonoids, and phenolic compound content, demonstrated the highest S. epidermidis biofilm inhibitory effect. Finally, a linear correlation between the total phenolic content and the percentage of biofilm inhibition was observed.

Whole blueberry powder inhibits metastasis of triple negative breast cancer in a xenograft mouse model through modulation of inflammatory cytokines

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprises approximately 15% of breast cancers and is associated with a poor prognosis. Many patients with TNBC relapse quickly and commonly develop metastases. There are no individualized targeted adjuvant or induction treatments for TNBC, and the current treatments are highly toxic. Development of chemoprevention methods using natural products would be beneficial to patients at risk of TNBC. To investigate the inhibitory effect of blueberries on inflammation-induced TNBC and identify the mechanism underlying modulation of inflammatory proteins by blueberries, we induced a proinflammatory microenvironment by feeding female MDA-MB-231 tumor-bearing mice a high fat western diet (W) with 5% whole blueberry powder (BB) and studied the effect on tumor formation and metastasis. We showed that mice fed a BB diet had significantly smaller tumors, less ulceration, and significantly less metastasis to the inguinal lymph nodes than mice fed a W diet. In BB-fed mice, serum levels of specific antiinflammatory cytokines were increased and specific cytokine expression was also altered. Together, these results suggest that blueberries may inhibit TNBC and TNBC-related metastasis by reducing inflammation via specific cytokine-driven pathways and thus reduce tumor growth and metastasis.

A review of pterostilbene antioxidant activity and disease modification

Pterostilbene (trans-3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxystilbene) is a natural dietary compound and the primary antioxidant component of blueberries. It has increased bioavailability in comparison to other stilbene compounds, which may enhance its dietary benefit and possibly contribute to a valuable clinical effect. Multiple studies have demonstrated the antioxidant activity of pterostilbene in both in vitro and in vivo models illustrating both preventative and therapeutic benefits. The antioxidant activity of pterostilbene has been implicated in anticarcinogenesis, modulation of neurological disease, anti-inflammation, attenuation of vascular disease, and amelioration of diabetes. In this review, we explore the antioxidant properties of pterostilbene and its relationship to common disease pathways and give a summary of the clinical potential of pterostilbene in the prevention and treatment of various medical conditions.

Cytosolic protection against ultraviolet induced DNA damage by blueberry anthocyanins and anthocyanidins in hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells

UV-induced DNA damage plays a key role in the etiology of certain diseases. The ability of blueberry anthocyanins and anthocyanidins (BA) to protect cellular DNA from UV-induced damage was investigated. BA were extracted by water (BAW), ethanol (BAE) or methanol (BAM). These extracts partially restored proliferation of UV-irradiated HepG2 cells as shown by MTT assay. Treatment with BA extracts at 75 μg/ml decreased reactive oxygen species and decreased DNA damage by tail moment of comet assay and expression of γH2AX in situ. BAM significantly decreased gene and protein expression of p53, phospho-p53 (Ser15), and p21 in UV-irradiated HepG2 cells. BA thus efficiently protects cells from DNA damage in vitro. Blueberry may potentially be used as a good source of naturally radioprotective agents.

Suppression of Wnt1-induced mammary tumor growth and lower serum insulin in offspring exposed to maternal blueberry diet suggest early dietary influence on developmental programming

Despite the well-accepted notion that early maternal influences persist beyond fetal life and may underlie many adult diseases, the risks imposed by the maternal environment on breast cancer development and underlying biological mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated whether early exposure to blueberry (BB) via maternal diet alters oncogene Wnt1-induced mammary tumorigenesis in offspring. Wnt1-transgenic female mice were exposed to maternal Casein (CAS, control) or blueberry-supplemented (CAS + 3%BB) diets throughout pregnancy and lactation. Offspring were weaned to CAS and mammary tumor development was followed until age 8 months. Tumor incidence and latency were similar for both groups; however, tumor weight at killing and tumor volume within 2 weeks of initial detection were lower (by 50 and 60%, respectively) in offspring of BB- versus control-fed dams. Dietary BB exposure beginning at weaning did not alter mammary tumor parameters. Tumors from maternal BB-exposed offspring showed higher tumor suppressor (Pten and Cdh1) and lower proproliferative (Ccnd1), anti-apoptotic (Bcl2) and proangiogenic (Figf, Flt1 and Ephb4) transcript levels, and displayed attenuated microvessel density. Expression of Pten and Cdh1 genes was also higher in mammary tissues of maternal BB-exposed offspring. Mammary tissues and tumors of maternal BB-exposed offspring showed increased chromatin-modifying enzyme Dnmt1 and Ezh2 transcript levels. Body weight, serum insulin and serum leptin/adiponectin ratio were lower for maternal BB-exposed than control tumor-bearing offspring. Tumor weights and serum insulin were positively correlated. Results suggest that dietary influences on the maternal environment contribute to key developmental programs in the mammary gland to modify breast cancer outcome in adult progeny.

Influence of berry polyphenols on receptor signaling and cell-death pathways: implications for breast cancer prevention

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. Many women have become more aware of the benefits of increasing fruit consumption, as part of a healthy lifestyle, for the prevention of cancer. The mechanisms by which fruits, including berries, prevent breast cancer can be partially explained by exploring their interactions with pathways known to influence cell proliferation and evasion of cell-death. Two receptor pathways, estrogen receptor (ER) and tyrosine kinase receptors, especially the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family, are drivers of cell proliferation and play a significant role in the development of both primary and recurrent breast cancer. There is strong evidence to show that several phytochemicals present in berries such as cyanidin, delphinidin, quercetin, kaempferol, ellagic acid, resveratrol, and pterostilbene interact with and alter the effects of these pathways. Furthermore, they also induce cell death (apoptosis and autophagy) via their influence on kinase signaling. This review summarizes in vitro data regarding the interaction of berry polyphenols with the specific receptors and the mechanisms by which they induce cell death. This paper also presents in vivo data of primary breast cancer prevention by individual compounds and whole berries. Finally, a possible role for berries and berry compounds in the prevention of breast cancer and a perspective on the areas that require further research are presented.

Methylseleninic acid enhances paclitaxel efficacy for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer

A major challenge in breast cancer therapy is the lack of an effective therapeutic option for a particularly aggressive subtype of breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer. Here we provide the first preclinical evidence that a second-generation selenium compound, methylseleninic acid, significantly enhances the anticancer efficacy of paclitaxel in triple-negative breast cancer. Through combination-index value calculation, we demonstrated that methylseleninic acid synergistically enhanced the growth inhibitory effect of paclitaxel in triple-negative breast cancer cells. The synergism was attributable to more pronounced induction of caspase-mediated apoptosis, arrest of cell cycle progression at the G2/M checkpoint, and inhibition of cell proliferation. Treatment of SCID mice bearing MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer xenografts for four weeks with methylseleninic acid (4.5 mg/kg/day, orally) and paclitaxel (10 mg/kg/week, through intraperitoneal injection) resulted in a more pronounced inhibition of tumor growth compared with either agent alone. The attenuated tumor growth correlated with a decrease in tumor cell proliferation and an induction of apoptosis. The in vivo study also indicated the safety of using methylseleninic acid in the combination regime. Our findings thus provide strong justification for the further development of methylseleninic acid and paclitaxel combination therapy for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.