Amazon Fruits Inhibit Growth and Promote Pro-apoptotic Effects on Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Lines

Abstract

Murici (Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth and B. verbascifolia (L.) DC.) and tapereba (Spondias mombin) are Amazonian fruits that contain bioactive compounds. Biochemical and molecular characterization of these fruits can reveal their potential use in preventing diseases, including cancer. The extracts were characterized regarding the presence and profile of carotenoids by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), total phenolic content by the Folin–Ciocalteu assay, and antioxidant activity by antioxidant value 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) content analysis, 22,20-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) content analysis, Ferric-Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP), and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) analysis. The extracts of tapereba and murici studied were important sources of total carotenoids and lutein, respectively. The extracts were then tested for their effect on the viability of the A2780 ovarian cancer (OC) cell line and its cisplatin (CDDP)-resistant derived cell line, called ACRP, by using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays. Their influence on cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by using flow cytometry. Murici and tapereba cell extracts exhibited a strong bioactivity by inhibiting A2780 and ACRP cell viability by 76.37% and 78.37%, respectively, besides modulating the cell cycle and inducing apoptotic cell death. Our results open new perspectives for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies using these Amazon fruit extracts to sensitize ovarian cancer cells to current chemotherapeutic options.

Bioactive Compounds and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Cytotoxic and Cytoprotective Effects of Murici Pulp Extracts (Byrsonima crassifolia) Obtained by Supercritical Extraction in HepG2 Cells Treated with H2O2

“…(22 MPa-775 kg/m 3 ). These results were superior to that found for the aqueous extract of murici pulp (23.39 µg/g) [ 52 ]. In this case, the increase in pressure reduced the levels of lutein, presenting an opposite behavior to that of CO 2 -SFE.…”

Phytochemicals in Gynecological Cancer Prevention

“…On the one hand, an older study based on a meta-analysis showed a 16% reduction in the risk of developing ovarian cancer in the case of an increased consumption of beta-carotene-rich products (RR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.75–0.94) [ 72 ]. This can be confirmed by an experimental study by de Souz et al, who demonstrated in vitro that tropical Brazilian fruits such as Murici and tapereba containing, among others, alpha- and beta-carotenes, may have cytotoxic properties against ovarian cancer cells (including those resistant to platinum derivatives) manifesting themselves as cell cycle inhibition and the induction of their apoptosis [ 186 ]. On the other hand, a randomized analysis carried out by Guo et al showed that beta-carotene may increase the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer, but it may also reduce the risk of developing tumors with a low malignant potential [ 187 ].…”

Phenolic Compound Profile by UPLC-MS/MS and Encapsulation with Chitosan of Spondias mombin L. Fruit Peel Extract from Cerrado Hotspot—Brazil

“…The taperebá (Spondias mombin L.), also called cajá, cajá verdadeiro and cajá-mirim, is a member of the Anacardiaceae family and can be found in tropical areas of America, Asia and Africa, presenting as a small ovoid drupe with thin yellowish skin and a bittersweet taste [5]. This wild fruit from the Cerrado has shown important characteristics, due to the significant content of some phenolic compounds [6][7][8][9], demonstrating biological effects such as cytotoxic activity in ovarian cancer cells [9], gastroprotective action in rats [10] and antioxidant ability [8].…”

“…In addition to taperebá pulp, which is the part of the fruit used in most studies [5,8,10], its peel also has a considerable concentration of total polyphenols [7]. The taperebá peel can be considered industrial waste, and it is usually discarded, wasting its economic and functional potential [11].…”