Functional and molecular effects of a green tea constituent on oral cancer cells

Abstract

Background Green tea is heavily consumed on a global basis for its health benefits. The active ingredient, (‐)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is a major polyphenol demonstrated to inhibit the growth of various non‐oral cancer cell lines and interfere with the carcinogenic process, including downregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Our aim was to determine the phenotypic changes of oral cancer cells treated with EGCG and concurrently assess the effect on EGFR expression and activation. Methods Oral cancer cells (H400 and H357) were treated with 10 µg/mL and 20 µg/mL of EGCG for up to 72 hours. Phenotypic changes were assessed by performing cell proliferation analysis and cell migration (Transwell) assays. Expression of EGFR and its phosphorylated form (p‐EGFR) was determined by Western blotting. Results Cell proliferation of both cell lines was significantly reduced at 48hrs when treated with 20 µg/mL EGCG. However, after 72 hours of treatment the effect of EGCG on cell proliferation ceased. Treatment of both cell lines with 10 µg/mL and 20 µg/mL of EGCG resulted in significant reduction in cell migration. Mechanistically, EGFR expression did not change significantly after treatment with EGCG; however, there was a reduction in its phosphorylated form. Conclusion EGCG transiently inhibits both cell proliferation and migration of oral cavity cancer cells. This effect is associated with a decrease in the expression of phosphorylated EGFR. It is possible that more frequent bursts of EGCG could result in a persistent and sustained cancer inhibition, but this requires further research for clarification.

Natural Bioactive Compounds in the Management of Oral Diseases in Nephropathic Patients

“…A recent in vitro study investigated the possible effect of green tea EGCG in slowing growth of cancer cells, in particular of oral cancer cell lines H400 and H357. The authors pointed out how cell growth and migration capacity of both cell lines were deeply slowed down after treatment with EGCG extracts [110]. Interestingly, it has been shown that the oral intake of green tea EGCG seems to be able to reduce the nephrotoxic effect due to the use of cisplatin, one of the most common chemotherapy drugs used in the treatment of bladder, neck, lung, and testicular cancer [111].…”

Wine Consumption and Oral Cavity Cancer: Friend or Foe, Two Faces of Janus

“…Oral and head and neck cancer cells exposed to green tea and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), respectively, lead to a decrease in the expression of the phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), suggesting that catechins are potential cancer chemo-therapeutic or chemo-preventive agents [77,78]. In vitro, tea catechins promote a decrease in the proliferation of different human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines [77][78][79][80][81][82]. Li et al [82] found that EGCG affects the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells through the Hippo-TAZ signaling pathway.…”

Distinct phenolic, alkaloid and antioxidant profile in betel quids from four regions of Indonesia

“…Consistently, increasing numbers of hepatoxicity cases in humans have been associated with intake of green tea polyphenols, mainly EGCG 44 and in some cases, associated with liver inflammation and necrosis 45 . Despite the results of a recent study that EGCG transiently inhibits both cell proliferation and migration of oral cavity cancer cells 46 , there is limited evidence showing the pro-oxidant effect of catechins and cytotoxicity to oral cells, which warrants further investigation.…”