Constituents of Propolis: Chrysin, Caffeic Acid, p-Coumaric Acid, and Ferulic Acid Induce PRODH/POX-Dependent Apoptosis in Human Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell (CAL-27)

Abstract

Propolis evokes several therapeutic properties, including anticancer activity. These activities are attributed to the action of polyphenols. Previously it has been demonstrated, that one of the most abundant polyphenolic compounds in ethanolic extracts of propolis are chrysin, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid. Although their pro-apoptotic activity on human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells (CAL-27) was established previously, the detailed mechanism of this process remains unclear. Considering the crucial role of proline metabolism and proline dehydrogenase/proline oxidase (PRODH/POX) in the regulation of cancer cell survival/apoptosis, we studied these processes in polyphenol-treated CAL-27 cells. All studied polyphenols evoked anti-proliferative activity, accompanied by increased PRODH/POX, P53, active caspases-3 and -9 expressions and decreased collagen biosynthesis, prolidase activity and proline concentration in CAL-27 cells. These data suggest that polyphenols of propolis induce PRODH/POX-dependent apoptosis through up-regulation of mitochondrial proline degradation and down-regulation of proline utilization for collagen biosynthesis.

Phytochemical Constituents, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, and Antimicrobial Activities of the Ethanolic Extract of Mexican Brown Propolis

“…For example, Benguedouar et al [30] reported that ethanolic extract of Algerian propolis (EEP) and galangin (3) decreased the number of B16F1 melanoma cells in vitro compared to control. Celinska-Janowicz et al [31] state that the ethanolic extract of propolis isolated abundant polyphenolic compounds such as ferulic acid (10) and caffeic acid (12) revealed pro-apoptotic activity on human tongue squamous carcinoma cells (CAL-27). From this information, we emphasized that EEP and compounds possesses anti-cancer effects against cancer cell lines.…”

Propolis: types, composition, biological activities, and veterinary product patent prospecting

“…Ethanolic extracts of red propolis were also able to exert cytotoxic effects and to induce apoptosis in different tumoral lines . The polyphenols caffeic acid and p ‐coumaric acid are frequently found in several propolis extracts and were capable of inducing apoptosis in human tongue squamous carcinoma cells …”

Effects of Green Brazilian Propolis Alcohol Extract on Nociceptive Pain Models in Rats

“…Several studies conducted with propolis have identified more than 500 constituents to date—most notably are caffeic acid, phenolic acid, terpenes, flavonoids, cinnamic acid as well as 64 esters [ 11 , 12 ].…”

“…Interestingly, a clinical study confirmed that administration of propolis active compounds could be a better adjuvant therapy in patients with human cancer [ 11 ].…”