Antitumor activities of Quercetin and Green Tea in xenografts of human leukemia HL60 cells

Abstract

Quercetin is one of the most abundant flavonoids, present in fruits and vegetables and has been shown to have multiple properties capable of reducing cell growth in cancer cells. Green tea is a widely consumed beverage, known for a potential source of free radical scavenging and anti-cancer activities. Herein, we investigate the in vivo antitumor efficacy of quercetin and green tea in human leukemia. Human tumors were xenografted into NOD/SCID mice. Quercetin and green tea reduced tumor growth in HL-60 xenografts accompanied by decreased expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, BCL-2, BCL-XL and MCL-1 and increased expression of BAX, a pro-apoptotic protein. Moreover, caspase-3 was activated to a greater extent after quercetin and green tea treatment. Quercetin and green tea also mediated G1 phase cell cycle arrest in HL-60 xenografts. Treatment with quercetin and green tea induced conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II as well as activation of autophagy proteins, suggesting that quercetin and green tea initiate the autophagic progression. We have provided evidence that quercetin and green tea induces signaling at the level of apoptosis, cell cycle and autophagy which converge to antigrowth effects in HL-60 xenograft mice suggesting that these compounds may be a compelling ally in cancer treatment.

Suppressing glucose metabolism with epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) reduces breast cancer cell growth in preclinical models

“…These findings, together with the direct evaluation of the formation of the autophagosomes and their fusion with the lysosomes by TEM, indicate that EGCG induces autophagy in 4T1 breast cancer cells. Consistent with our findings, Satoh et al 47 observed that EGCG induced human mesothelioma cell death by affecting autophagy, and Calgarotto et al 48 reported that green tea as well as quercetin induced autophagy in xenografts of human leukemia HL60 cells.…”

Health Functions and Related Molecular Mechanisms of Tea Components: An Update Review

“…In another clinical trial involving 70 Algerian prostate cancer patients and 120 age-matched healthy subjects, daily consumption of 5 cups of infusion prepared from 2 g green tea for 6 months significantly decreased oxidative stress and prevented prostate cancer initiation [111]. On the other hand, in a short-term double-blinded placebo- [107]. Torello et al reported that green tea (250 mg/kg BW) could induce anti-leukemic activity in an acute promyelocytic leukemia model, which was triggered by the production of ROS, activation of caspase-3/8/9, and nuclear translocation of HIF-1α [108].…”

“…Moreover, EGCG could differentially modulate the mRNA expression of SIRT-3-associated downstream antioxidant-responsive genes, including GPX1 and SOD2, in oral cancer cells and normal cells, with the related molecular mechanisms shown in Figure 3. [107]. Torello et al reported that green tea (250 mg/kg BW) could induce anti-leukemic activity in an acute promyelocytic leukemia model, which was triggered by the production of ROS, activation of caspase-3/8/9, and nuclear translocation of HIF-1α [108].…”

Hop-derived Xanthohumol Induces HL-60 Leukemia Cells Death

“…Therefore, finding new approaches to improve APL treatment outcome is of great importance. Plant-based compounds alone or in combination with chemodrugs have been shown to have antitumor effects and to improve treatment outcome of several malignant hematologies including Hodgkin's disease and acute lymphoblastic leukemia [8][9][10][11]. For example, plant-derived alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine are approved for the treatment of hematological malignancies and other cancers [10][11].…”