Biochanin A Inhibits Breast Cancer Tumor Growth in A Murine Xenograft Model

A review on phytochemicals as combating weapon for multidrug resistance in cancer

One can recognize multidrug resistance (MDR) and residue as a biggest difficulty in cancer specialist. Chemotherapy-resistant cancer may be successfully treated by combining MDR-reversing phytochemicals with anticancer drugs. Though, clinical application of phytochemicals either alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy is still in its early stages or requires more research to determine their safety and efficacy. In this review we highlighted topics related to MDR in cancer, including an introduction to subject, mechanism of action of efflux pump, specific proteins involved in drug resistance, altered drug targets, increased drug metabolism, and potential role of phytochemicals in overcoming drug resistance.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Dietary Isoflavones on Female Hormone-Dependent Cancers for Benefit-Risk Evaluation

Female hormone-dependent cancers depend on estrogen for their growth. Numerous studies have explored the antitumor effect of dietary isoflavones on female hormone-dependent cancers. Still, few clinical evidence supports the use of isoflavones in female hormone-dependent cancer patients. This study was performed to examine the impact of dietary isoflavones on tumor growth of female hormone-dependent cancers and accelerate the transformation of research from bench to bedside. We searched PubMed Medline, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for relevant articles related to the effect of dietary isoflavone on tumor growth of experimental animal models of female hormone-dependent cancers from 1998 to 2024. The effects of dietary isoflavones on tumor growth were analyzed between the control and treatment groups using comprehensive meta-analysis software (CMA). We included 30 studies describing tumor growth focused on female hormone-dependent cancer types, including breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers. Overall, a pooled analysis revealed that dietary isoflavones reduced tumor volume (Hedge's g = -1.151, 95% CI = -1.717 to -0.585, p = 0.000) and tumor weight (Hedge's g = -2.584, 95% CI = -3.618 to -1.549, p = 0.000). On the other hand, dietary isoflavones increased tumor area (Hedge's g = 1.136, 95% CI = 0.752 to 1.520, p = 0.000). Dietary isoflavones have potential benefits and risks in female hormone-dependent cancers. Therefore, caution should be exercised when considering the intake of dietary isoflavones in female hormone-dependent cancer patients, particularly in the form of supplements.

Astragalus membranaceus: A Traditional Chinese Medicine with Multifaceted Impacts on Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer, the most prevalent malignant tumor among women globally, remains a critical area of focus for researchers striving to refine therapeutic approaches. As an important component of traditional Chinese medicine, Astragalus membranaceus (AM) has demonstrated potential for multifaceted impacts on breast cancer treatment through various mechanisms. To guide clinical practice and further explore the under-researched field of AM in breast cancer treatment, this paper mainly reviews the regulatory roles of AM-derived compounds and extracts on breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance. Furthermore, this study delves into the synergistic effects observed when AM is co-administered with chemotherapeutic agents, including the enhancement of chemosensitivity, mitigation of toxic side effects, and reversal of drug resistance. This review indicates that AM holds promise not only as a therapy in breast cancer treatment but also paves the way for innovative integrated treatment approaches that combine the benefits of traditional medicine with modern pharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, future research endeavors are also urged to elucidate the in vivo pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms of AM to inform more effective clinical treatment strategies.

Phyto-therapeutics as anti-cancer agents in breast cancer: Pathway targeting and mechanistic elucidation

Cancer of the breast is the mainly prevalent class of cancer in females diagnosed over the globe. It also happens to be the 2nd most prevalent reason of cancer-related deaths among females worldwide. Some of the most common type's therapies for carcinoma of the breast involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and resection. Many studies are being conducted to develop new therapeutic strategies for better diagnosis of breast cancer. An enormous number of anticancer medications have been developed as a result of growing understanding of the molecular pathways behind the advancement of cancer. Over the past few decades, the general survival rate has not greatly increased due to the usage of chemically manufactured medications. Therefore, in order to increase the effectiveness of current cancer treatments, new tactics and cutting-edge chemoprevention drugs are required. Phytochemicals, which are naturally occurring molecules derived from plants, are important sources for both cancer therapy and innovative medication development. These phytochemicals frequently work by controlling molecular pathways linked to the development and spread of cancer. Increasing antioxidant status, inactivating carcinogens, preventing proliferation, causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and immune system control are some of the specific ways. This primary objective of this review is to provide an overview of the active ingredients found in natural goods, including information on their pharmacologic action, molecular targets, and current state of knowledge. We have given a thorough description of a number of natural substances that specifically target the pathways linked to breast carcinoma in this study. We've conducted a great deal of study on a few natural compounds that may help us identify novel targets for the detection of breast carcinoma.

Comprehensive exploration of Biochanin A as an oncotherapeutics potential in the treatment of multivarious cancers with molecular insights

Cancer is considered a leading cause of mortality. This rising cancer death rate and several existing limitations like side effects, poor efficacies, and high cost of the present chemotherapeutic agents have increased the demand for more potent and alternative cancer treatments. This review elucidated a brief overview of Biochanin A (BCA) and its potentiality on various cancers with details of anticancer mechanism. According to our review, a number of studies including in silico, in vitro, pre-clinical, and clinical trials have tested to evaluate the efficacy of BCA. This compound is effective against 15 types of cancer, including breast, cervical, colorectal, gastric, glioblastoma, liver, lung, melanoma, oral, osteosarcoma, ovarian, pancreatic, pharynx, prostate, and umbilical vein cancer. The general anticancer activities of this compound are mediated via several molecular processes, including regulation of apoptosis, cell proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis, signaling, enzymatic pathways, and other mechanisms. Targeting both therapeutic and oncogenic proteins, as well as different pathways, makes up the molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer action. Many signaling networks and their components, such as EFGR, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, MMP-2, MMP-9, PARP, Caspase-3/8/9, Bax, Bcl2, PDL-1, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, JAK, STAT3, VEGFR, VEGF, c-MY, Cyclin B1, D1, E1 and CDKs, Snail, and E-cadherin proteins, can be regulated in cancer cells by BCA. Such kind of anticancer properties of BCA could be a result of its correct structural chemistry. The use of BCA-based therapies as nano-carriers for the delivery of chemotherapeutic medicines has the potential to be very effective. This natural compound synergises with other natural compounds and standard drugs, including sorafenib, 5-fluorouracil, temozolomide, doxorubicin, apigenin, and genistein. Moreover, proper use of this compound can reverse multidrug resistance through numerous mechanisms. BCA has better drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties and is nontoxic (eye, liver, kidney, skin, cardio) in human bodies. As having a wide range of cancer-fighting mechanisms, synergistic effects, and good pharmacokinetic properties, BCA can be used as a supplementary food until standard drugs are available at pharma markets.

An Insight on Synergistic Anti-cancer Efficacy of Biochanin A and Sulforaphane Combination Against Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a serious malignancy that has higher rate of morbidity and mortality. It has been known to affect the women indifferently. The lack and side effects in the current therapeutic modules result in the search of the wide treatment options including combinatorial treatment. The goal of this study was to investigate combinatorial anti-proliferative efficacy of biochanin A (BCA) and sulforaphane (SFN) against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The study involves the utilisation of various qualitative techniques including cytotoxicity analysis (MTT), morphogenic analysis, AO/EtBr, DAPI, ROS, cell cycle, and cell migration analysis in order to examine the combinatorial efficacy of BCA and SFN in inducing the cell death. The results had shown that the cytotoxicity of BCA and SFN was found to be around 24.5 µM and 27.2 µM respectively, while the combination of BCA and SFN had shown an inhibitory activity at about 20.1 µM. And furthermore, AO/EtBr and DAPI had shown a profound increase in apoptogenic activity of compounds when treated in combination at lower dose. This apoptogenic activity may be attributed to the increased ROS production. Moreover, it has been shown that the BCA and SFN have been involved in the down-regulation of ERK-1/2 signalling pathway resulting in induction of apoptosis of cancer cells. Thus, our results had concluded that BCA and SFN co-treatment could be used as an efficient therapeutic target against breast cancer. Furthermore, in vivo efficiency by which the co-treatment induces apoptosis has to be deliberated further in near future to make their use commercially.

Review on Natural Agents as Aromatase Inhibitors: Management of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a prevalent type of cancer that is typically hormone-dependent, caused by estrogen. Aromatase inhibitors are frequently utilised in the treatment of hormonereceptor- positive breast cancer because they prevent the enzyme aromatase from converting androgens to estrogens. Natural medicines with aromatase inhibitory characteristics have attracted interest as potential alternatives or complementary therapy to manufactured medications. This review discusses the function of natural agents as aromatase inhibitors in treating breast cancer. A variety of natural compounds have been investigated for their capacity to inhibit aromatase activity and lower estrogen levels. These agents include resveratrol from red wine and grapes, curcumin from turmeric extract and green teahigh in catechins, and other flavonoids such as genistein, luteolin and quercetin. It has been demonstrated that by decreasing estrogen synthesis, they can slow the growth of breast cancer cells that are dependent on estrogen. However, the clinical evidence supporting their efficacy and safety in breast cancer treatment is inadequate. More research is required to investigate the therapeutic potential of natural medicines, such as aromatase inhibitors, in treating breast cancer. The clinical trials are required to assess their efficacy, appropriate doses, and potential interactions with other therapies. In conclusion, natural aromatase inhibitory drugs are promising adjuncts in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Their clinical value and safety profile, however, require additional investigation.

Natural products derived from medicinal plants and microbes might act as a game-changer in breast cancer: a comprehensive review of preclinical and clinical studies

Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent neoplasm among women. Genetic and environmental factors lead to BC development and on this basis, several preventive - screening and therapeutic interventions have been developed. Hormones, both in the form of endogenous hormonal signaling or hormonal contraceptives, play an important role in BC pathogenesis and progression. On top of these, breast microbiota includes both species with an immunomodulatory activity enhancing the host's response against cancer cells and species producing proinflammatory cytokines associated with BC development. Identification of novel multitargeted therapeutic agents with poly-pharmacological potential is a dire need to combat advanced and metastatic BC. A growing body of research has emphasized the potential of natural compounds derived from medicinal plants and microbial species as complementary BC treatment regimens, including dietary supplements and probiotics. In particular, extracts from plants such as Artemisia monosperma Delile, Origanum dayi Post, Urtica membranacea Poir. ex Savigny, Krameria lappacea (Dombey) Burdet & B.B. Simpson and metabolites extracted from microbes such as Deinococcus radiodurans and Streptomycetes strains as well as probiotics like Bacillus coagulans and Lactobacillus brevis MK05 have exhibited antitumor effects in the form of antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity, increase in tumors' chemosensitivity, antioxidant activity and modulation of BC - associated molecular pathways. Further, bioactive compounds like 3,3'-diindolylmethane, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, rutin, resveratrol, lycopene, sulforaphane, silibinin, rosmarinic acid, and shikonin are of special interest for the researchers and clinicians because these natural agents have multimodal action and act via multiple ways in managing the BC and most of these agents are regularly available in our food and fruit diets. Evidence from clinical trials suggests that such products had major potential in enhancing the effectiveness of conventional antitumor agents and decreasing their side effects. We here provide a comprehensive review of the therapeutic effects and mechanistic underpinnings of medicinal plants and microbial metabolites in BC management. The future perspectives on the translation of these findings to the personalized treatment of BC are provided and discussed.

Tailoring Potential Natural Compounds for the Treatment of Luminal Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is the most diagnosed cancer worldwide, mainly affecting the epithelial cells from the mammary glands. When it expresses the estrogen receptor (ER), the tumor is called luminal BC, which is eligible for endocrine therapy with hormone signaling blockade. Hormone therapy is essential for the survival of patients, but therapeutic resistance has been shown to be worrying, significantly compromising the prognosis. In this context, the need to explore new compounds emerges, especially compounds of plant origin, since they are biologically active and particularly promising. Natural products are being continuously screened for treating cancer due to their chemical diversity, reduced toxicity, lower side effects, and low price. This review summarizes natural compounds for the treatment of luminal BC, emphasizing the activities of these compounds in ER-positive cells. Moreover, their potential as an alternative to endocrine resistance is explored, opening new opportunities for the design of optimized therapies.

A Concise Review on Natural Products and Their Derivatives for Breast Cancer Treatment

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Among other cancers, breast cancer has been found to produce maximum number of cases in 2020. Different factors including geographical, genetic, hormonal, oral contraceptives and modern lifestyle could be responsible for the development of breast cancer and different pathways can be targeted for breast cancer treatment. The various conventional approaches used for the treatment of breast cancer including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone and immunotherapy. But due to the side effects associated with these conventional treatments such as non-selectivity, multidrug resistance and bioavailability, there is a need for the development of better therapeutic agents for breast cancer treatment. Several natural products have been explored for breast cancer treatment. However, many of these natural products suffered from the limitations of poor water solubility and possess toxic side effects. To overcome these limitations, several structural analogs of natural products have been synthesized and possess potent anti-breast cancer effects with less side effects over their precursor molecules. In the present manuscript, we describe the pathogenesis of breast cancer, some potent natural products used in the treatment of breast cancer and their selected structural analogs possessing potent anti-breast cancer effects. Database such as Science direct, Pubmed and Google scholar were searched using keywords 'risk factors', 'screening methods','receptors', and 'natural products and derivatives', Registered clinical trials on selected natural products were also analyzed. Present study concludes that eight selected natural products and their derivatives possess wide potential to exhibit anti-breast cancer effects and could be explored further to develop better chemotherapeutic agents against breast cancer.

A state-of-the-art review on LSD1 and its inhibitors in breast cancer: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic significance

Breast cancer (BC) is a kind of malignant cancer in women, and it has become the most diagnosed cancer worldwide since 2020. Histone methylation is a common biological epigenetic modification mediating varieties of physiological and pathological processes. Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), a first identified histone demethylase, mediates the removal of methyl groups from histones H3K4me1/2 and H3K9me1/2 and plays a crucial role in varieties of cancer progression. It is also specifically amplified in breast cancer and contributes to BC tumorigenesis and drug resistance via both demethylase and non-demethylase manners. This review will provide insight into the overview structure of LSD1, summarize its action mechanisms in BC, describe the therapeutic potential of LSD1 inhibitors in BC, and prospect the current opportunities and challenges of targeting LSD1 for BC therapy.

Natural Small Molecules in Breast Cancer Treatment: Understandings from a Therapeutic Viewpoint

Breast cancer (BrCa) is the most common malignancy in women and the second most significant cause of death from cancer. BrCa is one of the most challenging malignancies to treat, and it accounts for a large percentage of cancer-related deaths. The number of cases requiring more effective BrCa therapy has increased dramatically. Scientists are looking for more productive agents, such as organic combinations, for BrCa prevention and treatment because most chemotherapeutic agents are linked to cancer metastasis, the resistance of the drugs, and side effects. Natural compounds produced by living organisms promote apoptosis and inhibit metastasis, slowing the spread of cancer. As a result, these compounds may delay the spread of BrCa, enhancing survival rates and reducing the number of deaths caused by BrCa. Several natural compounds inhibit BrCa production while lowering cancer cell proliferation and triggering cell death. Natural compounds, in addition to therapeutic approaches, are efficient and potential agents for treating BrCa. This review highlights the natural compounds demonstrated in various studies to have anticancer properties in BrCa cells. Future research into biological anti-BrCa agents may pave the way for a new era in BrCa treatment, with natural anti-BrCa drugs playing a key role in improving BrCa patient survival rates.

The natural isoflavone Biochanin-A synergizes 5-fluorouracil anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo in Ehrlich solid-phase carcinoma model

Isoflavones are considered one of the most extensively studied plant-derived phytoestrogenic compounds. Of these, Biochanin A (Bio-A), a natural isoflavone abundant in cabbage, alfalfa, and red clover, has drawn a lot of attention. As reported in multiple studies, Bio-A possesses a promising anticancer activity against estrogen receptor-positive (ER+)  breast cancer. The current study investigated the working hypothesis that Bio-A could synergistically enhance the potency of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in ER+ breast cancer. The hypothesis was tested both in vitro on hormone receptor-positive (MCF-7) and triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB231). Additionally, in vivo studies were performed in the Ehrlich solid-phase carcinoma mouse model. The in vitro cytotoxicity studies revealed that Bio-A synergistically increased the potency of 5-FU in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cell lines. The synergistic effect of 5-FU/Bio-A combination was verified in vivo. The combination therapy (where 5-FU was used at one fourth its full dose) led to a significant 75% reduction in tumor volume after two treatment cycles. This was in addition to producing a significant 2.1-fold increase in tumor necrosis area% compared to mock-treated control. In conclusion, the current study presents the first preclinical evidence for the potential merit of 5-FU/Bio-A combination for the treatment of ER+ breast cancer. The synergistic antitumor effect of Bio-A/ 5-FU combination can be, at least partly, attributed to Bio-A-mediated suppression of ER-α/Akt axis and the augmentation of 5-FU-mediated proapoptotic effects. © 2022 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effects and mechanisms of dietary bioactive compounds on breast cancer prevention

Breast cancer (BC) is the most often diagnosed cancer among females globally and has become an increasing global health issue over the last decades. Despite the substantial improvement in screening methods for initial diagnosis, effective therapy remains lacking. Still, there has been high recurrence and disease progression after treatment of surgery, endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Considering this view, there is a crucial requirement to develop safe, freely accessible, and effective anticancer therapy for BC. The dietary bioactive compounds as auspicious anticancer agents have been recognized to be active and their implications in the treatment of BC with negligible side effects. Hence, this review focused on various dietary bioactive compounds as potential therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of BC with the mechanisms of action. Bioactive compounds have chemo-preventive properties as they inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, downregulate the expression of estrogen receptors, and cell cycle arrest by inducing apoptotic settings in tumor cells. Therapeutic drugs or natural compounds generally incorporate engineered nanoparticles with ideal sizes, shapes, and enhance their solubility, circulatory half-life, and biodistribution. All data of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies of dietary bioactive compounds and their impact on BC were collected from Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The data of chemopreventive and anticancer activity of dietary bioactive compounds were collected and orchestrated in a suitable place in the review. These shreds of data will be extremely beneficial to recognize a series of additional diet-derived bioactive compounds to treat BC with the lowest side effects.

Natural isoflavonoids in invasive cancer therapy: From bench to bedside

Cancer is a public health problem worldwide, and one of the crucial steps within tumor progression is the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells, which are directly related to cancer-associated deaths in patients. Recognizing the molecular markers involved in invasion and metastasis is essential to find targeted therapies in cancer. Interestingly, about 50% of the discovered drugs used in chemotherapy have been obtained from natural sources such as plants, including isoflavonoids. Until now, most drugs are used in chemotherapy targeting proliferation and apoptosis-related molecules. Here, we review recent studies about the effect of isoflavonoids on molecular targets and signaling pathways related to invasion and metastasis in cancer cell cultures, in vivo assays, and clinical trials. This review also reports that glycitein, daidzein, and genistein are the isoflavonoids most studied in preclinical and clinical trials and displayed the most anticancer activity targeting invasion-related proteins such as MMP-2 and MMP-9 and also EMT-associated proteins. Therefore, the diversity of isoflavonoids is promising molecules to be used as chemotherapeutic in invasive cancer. In the future, more clinical trials are needed to validate the effectiveness of the various natural isoflavonoids in the treatment of invasive cancer.

New Actors Driving the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer: The Role of Leptin

Leptin is a hormone secreted mainly by adipocytes; physiologically, it participates in the control of appetite and energy expenditure. However, it has also been linked to tumor progression in different epithelial cancers. In this review, we describe the effect of leptin on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in different study models, including in vitro, in vivo, and patient studies and in various types of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, and ovarian cancer. The different studies report that leptin promotes the expression of mesenchymal markers and a decrease in epithelial markers, in addition to promoting EMT-related processes such as cell migration and invasion and poor prognosis in patients with cancer. Finally, we report that leptin has the greatest biological relevance in EMT and tumor progression in breast, lung, prostate, esophageal, and ovarian cancer. This relationship could be due to the key role played by the enriched tumor microenvironment in adipose tissue. Together, these findings demonstrate that leptin is a key biomolecule that drives EMT and metastasis in cancer.

Inhibitory effects of biochanin A on titanium particle-induced osteoclast activation and inflammatory bone resorption via NF-κB and MAPK pathways

Revision operations have become a new issue after successful artificial joint replacements, and periprosthetic osteolysis leading to prosthetic loosening is the main cause of why the overactivation of osteoclasts (OCs) plays an important role. The effect of biochanin A (BCA) has been examined in osteoporosis, but no study on the role of BCA in prosthetic loosening osteolysis has been conducted yet. In this study, we utilised enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, computed tomography imaging, and histological analysis. Results showed that BCA downregulated the secretion levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1α (IL-1α), and IL-1β to suppress inflammatory responses. The secretion levels of receptor-activated nuclear factor-κB ligand, CTX-1, and osteoclast-associated receptor as well as Ti-induced osteolysis were also reduced. BCA effectively inhibited osteoclastogenesis and suppressed hydroxyapatite resorption by downregulating OC-related genes in vitro. Analysis of mechanisms indicated that BCA inhibited the signalling pathways of mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and c-JUN N-terminal kinase) and nuclear factor-κB (inhibitor κB-α and P65), thereby downregulating the expression of nuclear factor of activated T cell 1 and c-Fos. In conclusion, BCA may be an alternative choice for the prevention of prosthetic loosening caused by OCs.

Biochanin A: A novel bioactive multifunctional compound from nature

Natural products (NPs) will continue to serve humans as matchless source of novel drug leads and an inspiration for the synthesis of non-natural drugs. As our scientific understanding of 'nature' is rapidly expanding, it would be worthwhile to illuminate the pharmacological distinctions of NPs to the scientific community and the public. Flavonoids have long fascinated scientists with their remarkable structural diversity as well as biological functions. Consequently, this review aims to shed light on the sources and pharmacological significance of a dietary isoflavone, biochanin A, which has been recently emerged as a multitargeted and multifunctional guardian of human health. Biochanin A possesses anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-microbial, and hepatoprotective properties. It combats cancer development by inducing apoptosis, inhibition of metastasis and arresting cell cycle via targeting several deregulated signaling pathways of cancer. It fights inflammation by blocking the expression and activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines via modulation of NF-κB and MAPKs. Biochanin A acts as a neuroprotective agent by inhibiting microglial activation and apoptosis of neurons. As biochanin A has potential to modulate several biological networks, thus, it can be anticipated that this therapeutically potent compound might serve as a novel lead for drug development in the near future.

Biochanin A Provides Neuroprotection Against Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Nrf2-Mediated Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Signaling Pathway in Rats

Background

Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are 2 pivotal mechanisms in the progression of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Biochanin A, a natural phytoestrogen, has been reported to protect against ischemic brain injury in animal experiments, but the possible pharmacological mechanisms of its neuroprotection remain elusive. In this research, we sought to investigate the neuroprotective effects of biochanin A in experimental stroke rats and the probable mechanisms underlying oxidative stress and inflammation signaling pathways.

Material/Methods

An ischemic stroke model was induced by inserting thread into the middle cerebral artery. Rats were pre-administered intraperitoneally with a vehicle solution or biochanin A (10, 20, or 40 mg·kg·d⁻¹) for 14 days prior to ischemic stroke. Neurological score, infarct volume, and cerebral edema were assessed after 2 h of ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion. The activities of SOD and GSH-Px and MDA content were measured. The expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, and NF-κB and the activity of phosphor-IκBα were detected by Western blotting.

Results

Biochanin A pretreatment significantly improved neurological deficit and decreased infarct size and brain edema. Biochanin A also enhanced SOD and GSH-Px activities and suppressed the production of MDA. Additionally, biochanin A promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation, promoted the expression of HO-1, and inhibited NF-κB activation in ischemic brain injury.

Conclusions

The results indicated that biochanin A protected the brain against ischemic injury in rats by anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory actions. The activation of the Nrf2 pathway and the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway may contribute to the neuroprotective effects of biochanin A.

Combinatorial Epigenetics Impact of Polyphenols and Phytochemicals in Cancer Prevention and Therapy

Polyphenols are potent micronutrients that can be found in large quantities in various food sources and spices. These compounds, also known as phenolics due to their phenolic structure, play a vital nutrient-based role in the prevention of various diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, liver disease, and cancers. However, the function of polyphenols in disease prevention and therapy depends on their dietary consumption and biological properties. According to American Cancer Society statistics, there will be an expected rise of 23.6 million new cancer cases by 2030. Due to the severity of the increased risk, it is important to evaluate various preventive measures associated with cancer. Relatively recently, numerous studies have indicated that various dietary polyphenols and phytochemicals possess properties of modifying epigenetic mechanisms that modulate gene expression resulting in regulation of cancer. These polyphenols and phytochemicals, when administrated in a dose-dependent and combinatorial-based manner, can have an enhanced effect on epigenetic changes, which play a crucial role in cancer prevention and therapy. Hence, this review will focus on the mechanisms of combined polyphenols and phytochemicals that can impact various epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and histone modifications as well as regulation of non-coding miRNAs expression for treatment and prevention of various types of cancer.

Reversal of Multidrug Resistance in Cancer by Multi-Functional Flavonoids

Multidrug resistance (MDR) resulting from different defensive mechanisms in cancer is one of the major obstacles of clinical treatment. To circumvent MDR many reversal agents have been developed, but most of them fail in clinical trials due to severely adverse effects. Recently, certain natural products have been reported to overcome MDR, including flavonoids which are abundant in plants, foods, and herbs. The structure of flavonoids can be abbreviated as C6-C3-C6 (C for carbon), and further categorized into flavonoids, iso-flavonoids and neo-flavonoids, according to their structural backbones. Flavonoids possess multiple bioactivities, and a growing body of research has indicated that both flavonoids and iso-flavonoids can either kill or re-sensitize conventional chemotherapeutics to resistant cancer cells. Here, we summarize the research and discuss the underlying mechanisms, concluding that these flavonoids do not function as specific regulators of target proteins, but rather as multi-functional agents that negatively regulate the key factors contributing to MDR.

The hypolipidemic effects of peptides prepared from Cicer arietinum in ovariectomized rats and HepG2 cells

BACKGROUND

The lack of estrogen in postmenopausal women is a key risk factor for disorders of lipid metabolism and for obesity. Except in cases where estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is being used, chickpea peptides (ChPs) may be a potential candidate for treating hyperlipidemia.

RESULTS

In ovariectomized rats model, ChPs were found to decrease body weight, adipose tissue size, total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and the atherogenic index (AI) in serum and liver TC and TG. Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), bile acids in liver and feces, fecal TC and TG were observed to increase significantly (P < 0.05). ChPs play a role in inhibiting the activities of fatty acid synthetase (FAS) and HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR). The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR)γ and sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c were downregulated and the expression of liver X receptor (LXR) α, estrogen receptor(ER)α and ERβ were upregulated by ChPs. In HepG2 cell experiments, the cellular TC levels decreased and the uptake of NBD-cholesterol increased significantly after treatment with Mw < 1 kDa and Mw < 5 kDa ChPs fractions. Val-Phe-Val-Arg-Asn (VFVRN) could inhibit TC biosynthesis by decreasing the expression of HMGR.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that ChPs could effectively regulate lipid metabolism disorders and restrain obesity caused by estrogen deficiency. Val-Phe-Val-Arg-Asn identified from ChPs could reduce the expression of HMGR to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antiproliferative Activity of Combined Biochanin A and Ginsenoside Rh₂ on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. The antiproliferative activities of biochanin A (BA) and ginsenoside Rh₂ were determined by evaluating their inhibitory effect on MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell proliferation. The combination of BA with Rh₂ was also assessed. In MDA cells, combination treatment led to a decrease in the EC₅₀ values of BA and Rh₂ to 25.20 μM and 22.75 μM, respectively. In MCF-7 cells, the EC₅₀ values of combined BA and Rh₂ decreased to 27.68 μM and 25.41 μM, respectively. BA combined with Rh₂ also improved the inhibition of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell migration and invasion compared to the individual compounds. Western blot analysis demonstrated upregulation in p-p53, p-p38, and p-ASK1 proteins while levels of TRAF2 were downregulated. These results suggest that BA combined with Rh₂ exhibits synergistic effects against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell proliferation.

Natural Products for the Management and Prevention of Breast Cancer

Among all types of cancer, breast cancer is one of the most challenging diseases, which is responsible for a large number of cancer related deaths. Hormonal therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have been used as treatment of breast cancer, for a very long time. Due to severe side effects and multidrug resistance, these treatment approaches become increasingly ineffective. However, adoption of complementary treatment approach can be a big solution for this situation, as it is evident that compounds derived from natural source have a great deal of anticancer activity. Natural compounds can fight against aggressiveness of breast cancer, inhibit cancerous cell proliferation, and modulate cancer related pathways. A large number of research works are now focusing on the natural and dietary compounds and trying to find out new and more effective treatment strategies for the breast cancer patients. In this review, we discussed some significant natural chemical compounds with their mechanisms of actions, which can be very effective against the breast cancer and can be more potent by their proper modifications and further clinical research. Future research focusing on the natural anti-breast-cancer agents can open a new horizon in breast cancer treatment, which will play a great role in enhancing the survival rate of breast cancer patients.

Anti-proliferative activity of biochanin A in human osteosarcoma cells via mitochondrial-involved apoptosis

Biochanin A is a major isoflavone in red clover and a potent chemopreventive agent against cancer. However, the effects of biochanin A on human osteosarcoma cells have never been clarified. This study investigated the anti-proliferative potential of biochanin A in osteosarcoma cells. The results indicate that biochanin A inhibited cell growth and colony formation in a dose-dependent manner with a minimal toxicity to normal cells. The combination of doxorubicin and biochanin A could synergistically inhibit osteosarcoma cell growth. The cytotoxic effect of biochanin A via the induction of apoptosis as evidenced by formation of apoptotic bodies, externalization of phosphatidylserine, accumulation of sub-G₁ phase cells, caspase 3 activation, and cleavage of PARP. Apoptosis was associated with loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c, caspase 9 activation, increased Bax expression, and reduced Bcl-2 and Bcl-X_L expression. Pre-treatment with a caspase-9 specific inhibitor (Z-LEHD-FMK) partially attenuated cell death, suggesting involvement of the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic cascade. However, pre-treatment with the JNK inhibitor SP600125, the MEK inhibitor PD-98059, and the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 or the antioxidants vitamin E, N-acetylcysteine, and glutathione failed to prevent biochanin A-induced cell death. Our results suggest that biochanin A inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells by triggering activation of the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway and caspase-9 and -3 and increasing the Bax: Bcl-2/Bcl-X_L ratio.

Effect of Biochanin A versus 17β estradiol in rat submandibular salivary gland

The epigenetic nature of development mandates the observation of the effect of any exogenous substance, especially those with estrogenic activities, during critical phases of development. The submandibular gland (SMG) presents as a great model due to extensive postnatal development, and is known to be regulated and affected by hormones as well as growth factors. Herein, we observed postnatal development following low doses of Biochanin A (BCA) and 17β estradiol (E2) in rats. The pups were randomly divided into four groups: control, BCA, E2, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and euthanized at the 6th, 15th, 30th, and 60th postnatal days (PND). SMG morphogenesis was assessed. The nuclear expression of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) was evaluated immunohistochemically; ERβ expression was up-regulated by BCA and down-regulated by E2. Similarly, caspase three gene expression, assessed by real time polymerase chain reaction was increased in the BCA group but decreased in the E2 group. A significant decrease in epidermal growth factor gene expression was noted at PND 30. The results presented by this study provide evidence that the effect of a postnatal exposure of the SMG to Biochanin A during development could be linked to sex hormone-dependent disorders.

Formulation and Optimization of Doxorubicin and Biochanin A Combinational Liposomes for Reversal of Chemoresistance

Circumvention of drug resistance still remains a challenge in the development of anticancer therapeutics. Combinational nano-formulations provide many avenues for effective cancer therapy and reversal of drug resistance. In the current study, combination of biochanin A (BioA) and doxorubicin (DOX) in liposomes were prepared and studied for its potential to reverse DOX resistance in COLO205 cells. After development and validation of DOX resistant cells of COLO205 (ColoR), dosing ratio of DOX and BioA for reversal of DOX resistance was determined by co-treatment in ColoR cells. As limited solubility and analytical data available for BioA, therefore solubility was studied for BioA and analytical method was developed for the combination. Combinational liposomes were prepared and optimized for both lipid content and surface charge by evaluating size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency. The optimized formulation had a size about 125 nm; zeta potential of -19.5 mV and 70% encapsulation efficiency (EE) for BioA. Thus, prepared combinational liposomes of DOX and BioA were evaluated for its cellular uptake and efficacy to reverse DOX resistance. From the study, increased DOX uptake and promising effect for reversal of DOX resistance was observed.

Neuroprotective Effects of Biochanin A against β-Amyloid-Induced Neurotoxicity in PC12 Cells via a Mitochondrial-Dependent Apoptosis Pathway

Alzheimer's disease is considered one of the major neurodegenerative diseases and is characterized by the production of β-amyloid (Aβ) proteins and progressive loss of neurons. Biochanin A, a phytoestrogen compound found mainly in Trifolium pratense, was used in the present study as a potential alternative to estrogen replacement therapy via the investigation of its neuroprotective effects against Aβ25-35-induced toxicity, as well as of its potential mechanisms of action in PC12 cells. Exposure of these cells to the Aβ25-35 protein significantly increased cell viability loss and apoptosis. However, the effects induced by Aβ25-35 were markedly reversed in the present of biochanin A. Pretreatment with biochanin A attenuated the cytotoxic effect of the Aβ25-35 protein by decreasing viability loss, LDH release, and caspase activity in cells. Moreover, we found that expression of cytochrome c and Puma were reduced, alongside with the restoration of Bcl-2/Bax and Bcl-xL/Bax ratio in the presence of biochanin A, which led to a decrease in the apoptotic rate. These data demonstrate that mitochondria are involved in the protective effect of biochanin A against Aβ25-35 and that this drug attenuated Aβ25-35-induced PC12 cell injury and apoptosis by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, biochanin A might raise a possibility as a potential therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease and other related neurodegenerative diseases.

Role of dietary bioactive natural products in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer

Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, including luminal-A and -B, is the most common type of breast cancer. Extended exposure to estrogen is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Both ER-dependent and ER-independent mechanisms have been implicated in estrogen-mediated carcinogenesis. The ER-dependent pathway involves cell growth and proliferation triggered by the binding of estrogen to the ER. The ER-independent mechanisms depend on the metabolism of estrogen to generate genotoxic metabolites, free radicals and reactive oxygen species to induce breast cancer. A better understanding of the mechanisms that drive ER-positive breast cancer will help optimize targeted approaches to prevent or treat breast cancer. A growing emphasis is being placed on alternative medicine and dietary approaches toward the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Many natural products and bioactive compounds found in foods have been shown to inhibit breast carcinogenesis via inhibition of estrogen induced oxidative stress as well as ER signaling. This review summarizes the role of bioactive natural products that are involved in the prevention and treatment of estrogen-related and ER-positive breast cancer.

Significance of Rumex vesicarius as anticancer remedy against hepatocellular carcinoma: a proposal-based on experimental animal studies

Rumex vesicarius is an edible herb distributed in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The whole plant has significant value in folk medicine and it has been used to alleviate several diseases. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the major primary malignant tumor of the liver, is one of the most life-threatening human cancers. The goal of the current study was to explore the potent role of Rumex vesicarius extract against HCC induced in rats. Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into 3 groups: (I): Healthy animals received orally 0.9% normal saline and served as negative control group, (II): HCC group in which rats were orally administered N-nitrosodiethylamine NDEA, (III): HCC group treated orally with R. vesicarius extract in a dose of 400 mg/kg b.wt daily for two months. ALT and AST, ALP and γ-GT activities were estimated. CEA, AFP, AFU, GPC-3, Gp-73 and VEGF levels were quantified. Histopathological examination of liver tissue sections was also carried out. The results of the current study showed that the treatment of the HCC group with R. vesicarius extract reversed the significant increase in liver enzymes activity, CEA, AFP, AFU, glypican 3, golgi 73 and VEGF levels in serum as compared to HCC-untreated counterparts. In addition, the favorable impact of R. vesicarius treatment was evidenced by the marked improvement in the histopathological features of the liver of the treated group. In conclusion, the present experimental setting provided evidence for the significance of R. vesicarius as anticancer candidate with a promising anticancer potential against HCC. The powerful hepatoprotective properties, the potent antiangiogenic activity and the effective antiproliferative capacity are responsible for the anticancer effect of this plant.

Double-edged sword effect of biochanin to inhibit nuclear factor kappaB: suppression of serine/threonine and tyrosine kinases

Several protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitors predominantly isoflavones, such as genistein, erbstatin, quercetin, daidzein, present in red clover, cabbage and alfalfa, show apoptotic effect against cancer cells. In this study I found that biochanin, a methoxy form of genistein, inhibits IL-8-mediated activation of nuclear transcription factor kappaB (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 (AP-1) more potently than genistein as shown in Jurkat T-cell line. Both biochanin and genistein potently inhibited activity of Lck and Syk, but biochanin specifically inhibited activity of IKK. Biochanin inhibited completely NF-κB activation induced by PMA, LPS, pervanadate (PV), or H₂O₂, but only partially that induced by TNFα. Genistein was unable to inhibit IL-8-induced IKK activity, but it blocked PV-induced IKK activity. Biochanin inhibited activation of NF-κB by TRAF6 completely, but by TRAF2 partially. In silico data suggested that biochanin interacted strongly with serine/threonine kinase than genistein, though both equally interacted with PTK. The data show that both biochanin and genistein are potent inhibitors of PTK, but biochanin is a potent inhibitor of serine/threonine kinase too. Formononetin, having hydroxyl methoxy group is less potent to inhibit IKK than biochanin. Biochanin inhibits NF-κB activation not only by blocking the upstream IKK, but also PTK that phosphorylate tyrosine residues of IκBα. Thus, the double-edged sword effect of inhibition of NF-κB via inhibition of both serine/threonine kinase and PTK by biochanin might show useful therapeutic value against activities of cells that lead to tumorigenesis and inflammation.

Red clover and soy isoflavones--an in vitro safety assessment

Isoflavones from red clover and soy plant extracts are used in highly concentrated food supplements as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy. Due to their estrogenic activity, isoflavones are a focus of safety concerns about their potential to promote the growth of hormone-dependent cancer cells. In this study, isoflavones and plant extracts were tested for their effect on cell proliferation, apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest. Isoflavones and plant extracts were applied in proliferation assays on 11 human cancer cell lines (representing cancers of the colon, prostate, breast, cervix, liver, pancreas, stomach and ovaries) and a fibroblast line to detect cytotoxic activity. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting was used to detect the induction of apoptosis or cell cycle arrest. Isoflavones and plant extracts significantly reduced the proliferation activity of the treated cancer cell lines. Growth promotion was not observed, but apoptosis or necrosis induction was, as was cell cycle arrest, with genistein as the most potent isoflavone. Isoflavones and plant extracts from soy and red clover, respectively, do not promote the growth of human cancer cells but induce decreased cell proliferation, increased apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. These results indicate that isoflavones can be considered safe compounds.

Risks and benefits of dietary isoflavones for cancer

A high intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of cancer. In this context, considerable attention is paid to Asian populations who consume high amounts of soy and soy-derived isoflavones, and have a lower risk for several cancer types such as breast and prostate cancers than populations in Western countries. Hence, interest focuses on soyfoods, soy products, and soy ingredients such as isoflavones with regard to their possible beneficial effects that were observed in numerous experiments and studies. The outcomes of the studies are not always conclusive, are often contradictory depending on the experimental conditions, and are, therefore, difficult to interpret. Isoflavone research revealed not only beneficial but also adverse effects, for instance, on the reproductive system. This is also the case with tumor-promoting effects on, for example, breast tissue. Isoflavone extracts and supplements are often used for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and for the prevention of age-associated conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. In relation to this, questions about the effectiveness and safety of isoflavones have to be clarified. Moreover, there are concerns about the maternal consumption of isoflavones due to the development of leukemia in infants. In contrast, men may benefit from the intake of isoflavones with regard to reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Therefore, this review examines the risks but also the benefits of isoflavones with regard to various kinds of cancer, which can be derived from animal and human studies as well as from in vitro experiments.

Daidzein-phospholipid complex loaded lipid nanocarriers improved oral absorption: in vitro characteristics and in vivo behavior in rats

A nano-based delivery system was developed to improve the oral absorption of daidzein, which has poor hydrophilicity and lipophilicity. A daidzein-phospholipid complex (DPC) was firstly prepared to improve its lipophilicity, and then encapsulated into lipid nanocarriers (DLNs) to verify the effectiveness of the strategy in enhancing the oral delivery of daidzein. DLNs were spherical nanosized particles with evidently increased dissolution. DLNs were mainly distributed in stomach and proximal intestine of mice after oral administration, and the intestinal permeability of DLNs in rats was significantly improved when compared with that of daidzein solution. The peak concentration of daidzein in rats after oral administration of DPC and DLNs was 6833 ± 1112 ng mL(-1) and 14,512 ± 2390 ng mL(-1), respectively, which was improved over 10-fold and 21-fold than that of free daidzein. Moreover, the areas under the concentration-time curve (AUC(0-t)) of DPC and DLNs were enhanced by 3.62-fold and 6.87-fold compared with that of free daidzein. These results suggested that DLNs could be an effective strategy to improve the oral absorption of poor hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs like daidzein.

Hormesis and synergy: pathways and mechanisms of quercetin in cancer prevention and management

Quercetin is a unique dietary polyphenol because it can exert biphasic dose-responses on cells depending on its concentration. Cancer preventative effects of quercetin are observed at concentrations of approximately 1-40 microM and are likely mediated by quercetin's antioxidant properties. Pro-oxidant effects are present at cellular concentrations of 40-100 microM. However, at higher concentrations, many novel pathways in addition to ROS contribute to its effects. The potent bioactivity of quercetin has led to vigorous study of this compound and revealed numerous pathways that could interact synergistically to prevent or treat cancer. The effect of intake and concentration on emerging pathways and how they may interact are discussed in this review.

Biochanin A induction of sulfotransferases in rats

Biochanin A (BCA) is a dietary isoflavone present in red clover (Trifoliumn pretense) and many herbal products. BCA has been reported to have chemopreventive actions against various cancers including prostate, breast, colon cancer, and so on. Sulfotransferases are a family of phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes, which are important for xenobiotic detoxification and regulation of biological signaling molecule biological activities. Sulfotransferase gene expressions are regulated by different hormones and xenobiotics. Improper regulation of sulfotransferases leads to improper functions of biological signaling molecules, which in turn can cause cancer or other diseases. BCA inhibits the enzyme activities of the phase I drug-metabolizing enzymes CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 in Chinese hamster ovary cells and induces the phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes UDP-glucuronosyltransferases in human prostate cancer cells. BCA induction of sulfotransferases has not been studied. This investigation evaluates the in vivo regulation of sulfotransferases at protein and mRNA levels in the liver and intestine of Sprague-Dawley rats treated with BCA (0, 2, 10, and 50 mg/kg/day) for 7 days. Our experimental results demonstrate for the first time that chronic BCA treatment can significantly induce the expression of rat sulfotransferase 1A1 (rSULT1A1, AST-IV), sulfotransferase 2A1 (rSULT2A1, STa), and rat estrogen sulfotransferase (rSULT1E1, EST) in rat liver and intestine. Our Western blot results are in good agreement with real-time RT-PCR data, suggesting that BCA induction of sulfotransferases occurs at the transcriptional level.

Biochanin A reduces drug-induced p75NTR expression and enhances cell survival: a new in vitro assay for screening inhibitors of p75NTR expression

Following spinal cord injury (SCI) or peripheral neuropathy, increased levels of the p75(NTR) death receptor initiate the signal transduction cascade leading to cell death. Investigations of compounds that may ameliorate neuronal cell death have largely used rodent models, which are time consuming, expensive, and cumbersome to perform. Previous studies had demonstrated that steroids, particularly dexamethasone and its analog methylprednisolone sodium succinate, exhibit limited neuroprotective effects against neuronal injury. Significantly, many naturally occurring nonsteroidal plant compounds exhibit structural overlap with steroids. In this report, we present an in vitro cellular screen model to practically examine the efficacy of various phytoestrogens in modulating the ibuprofen-induced expression of p75(NTR) and reduced cell survival of CCFSTTG1 and U87MG cells in a rescue (postinjury) or prevention (preinjury) regimen. We show that the phytoestrogen, biochanin A, and, to a lesser extent, genistein are more effective than dexamethasone at reducing p75(NTR) expression and improving the viability of U87MG and CCFSTTG1 before and after p75(NTR) induction. Furthermore, these studies implicate biochanin A's inactivation of p38-MAPK as a possible contributor to reducing p75(NTR) with associated increased cell survival. This new in vitro assay facilitates a more time-efficient screening of compounds to suppress p75(NTR) expression and increase neuronal cell viability prior to their evaluation in animal models of neurological diseases.

The combination of TRAIL and isoflavones enhances apoptosis in cancer cells

Isoflavones are a class of bioactive polyphenols with cancer chemopreventive properties. TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) is a naturally occurring antitumor agent that selectively induces programmed death (apoptosis) in cancer cells. Polyphenols can modulate TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells. We examined the cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of isoflavones in combination with TRAIL on HeLa cancer cells. The apoptosis was detected by fluorescence microscopy with annexin V-FITC. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT and LDH assays. The tested isoflavones: genistein, biochanin-A and neobavaisoflavone enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells. Our study indicated that isoflavones augmented TRAIL-cytotoxicity against cancer cells and confirmed potential role of those polyphenols in chemoprevention.

Biochanin A Modulates Cell Viability, Invasion, and Growth Promoting Signaling Pathways in HER-2-Positive Breast Cancer Cells

Overexpression of HER-2 receptor is associated with poor prognosis and aggressive forms of breast cancer. Scientific literature indicates a preventive role of isoflavones in cancer. Since activation of HER-2 receptor initiates growth-promoting events in cancer cells, we studied the effect of biochanin A (an isoflavone) on associated signaling events like receptor activation, downstream signaling, and invasive pathways. HER-2-positive SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells, MCF-10A normal breast epithelial cells, and NIH-3T3 normal fibroblast cells were treated with biochanin A (2–100 μM) for 72 hours. Subsequently cell viability assay, western blotting and zymography were carried out. The data indicate that biochanin A inhibits cell viability, signaling pathways, and invasive enzyme expression and activity in SK-BR-3 cancer cells. Biochanin A did not inhibit MCF-10A and NIH-3T3 cell viability. Therefore, biochanin A could be a unique natural anticancer agent which can selectively target cancer cells and inhibit multiple signaling pathways in HER-2-positive breast cancer cells.