Proanthocyanidins from Uncaria rhynchophylla induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells while enhancing cytotoxic effects of 5-fluorouracil

Xiaoxin Chen, George Pak Heng Leung, Zhangjin Zhang , Jian-Bo Xiao, Li-Xing Lao, Feng Feng, Judith Choi Wo Mak, Ying Wang , Stephen Cho Wing SZE*, Kalin Yanbo Zhang*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Current treatments often result in systematic toxicity and drug resistance. Combinational use of non-toxic phytochemicals with chemotherapeutic agents to enhance the efficacy and reduce toxicity would be one promising approach. In this study, bioactive proanthocyanidins from Uncaria rhynchophylla (UPAs) were isolated and their anti-breast cancer effects alone and in combination with 5- fluorouracil (5-FU) were investigated in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The results showed that UPAs significantly inhibited cell viability and migration ability in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, UPAs induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner which was associated with increased cellular reactive oxygen species production, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, increases of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and levels of cleaved caspase 3. Treatments of the cells with UPAs resulted in an increase in G2/M cell cycle arrest. Cytotoxic effects of 5-FU against MDA-MB-231 cells were enhanced by UPAs. The combination treatment of UPAs and 5-FU for 48 h elicited a synergistic cytotoxic effect on MDA-MB-231 cells. Altogether, these data suggest that UPAs are potential therapeutic agents for breast cancer.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)248-260
Number of pages13
JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology
Volume107, Part A
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2017

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Medicine(all)

User-Defined Keywords

  • Uncaria rhynchophylla
  • Proanthocyanidins
  • 5-Fluorouracil
  • Breast cancer
  • Apoptosis

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