PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling mediates anticancer effects of epigallocatechin‑3‑gallate in ovarian cancer

Abstract

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol present in green tea, exhibits anticancer effects in various types of cancer. A number of studies have focused on the effects of EGCG on lung cancer, but not ovarian cancer. Previous reports have implicated that EGCG suppressed ovarian cancer cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, but its potential anticancer mechanisms and signaling pathways remain unclear. Thus, it is necessary to determine the anti-ovarian cancer effects of EGCG and explore the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, EGCG exerted stronger proliferation inhibition on SKOV3 cells compared with A549 cells and induced apoptosis in SKOV3 cells, as well as upregulated PTEN expression and downregulated the expression of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1), phosphor (p)-AKT and p-mTOR. These effects were reversed by the PTEN inhibitor VO-Ohpic trihydrate. The results of the mouse xenograft experiment demonstrated that 50 mg/kg EGCG exhibited increased tumor growth inhibition compared with 5 mg/kg paclitaxel. In addition, PTEN expression was upregulated, whereas the expression levels of PDK1, p-AKT and p-mTOR were downregulated in the EGCG treatment group compared with those in untreated mice in vivo. In conclusion, the results of the present study provided a new underlying mechanism of the effect of EGCG on ovarian cancer and may lead to the development of EGCG as a candidate drug for ovarian cancer therapy.

A Narrative Review of the Role of Diet and Lifestyle Factors in the Development and Prevention of Endometrial Cancer

“…One effect was that microvessel formation was decreased, thereby reducing blood flow to the xenograft. Similar effects were observed in a mouse model of ovarian cancer [ 318 ], suggesting that careful use of such extracts could be useful for the prevention of numerous neoplasms.…”

Upregulation of NFKBIZ affects bladder cancer progression via the PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

“…In the present study, VO downregulated PTEN expression and indirectly activated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, and then reversed the anticancer effects of NFKBIZ overexpression, which is consistent with previous studies ( 51 - 53 ). Additionally, another study has revealed that high concentration of VO can inhibit hepatocarcinoma cell proliferation and induce senescence ( 54 ).…”

Antioxidative, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Obesogenic, and Antidiabetic Properties of Tea Polyphenols—The Positive Impact of Regular Tea Consumption as an Element of Prophylaxis and Pharmacotherapy Support in Endometrial Cancer

“…A study utilising a xenograft model revealed that the administration of a prodrug form of EGCG inhibited the proliferation of tumour cells and enhanced apoptosis in a time and dose-dependent manner, with the significant effect of reducing the formation of microvessels and therefore hindering blood flow to the xenografts [ 229 ]. Similar results were observed in a mouse model of ovary cancer [ 230 ], which suggests that such extracts may prove viable in the prevention of a variety of cancers. The protective potential of green tea exceeds that of black tea; it was suggested that drinking an additional two cups of green tea daily can reduce the risk of EC by 25% [ 231 ].…”