Resveratrol and Quercetin in Combination Have Anticancer Activity in Colon Cancer Cells and Repress Oncogenic microRNA-27a

Abstract

Resveratrol and quercetin (RQ) in combination (1:1 ratio) previously inhibited growth in human leukemia cells. This study investigated the anticancer activity of the same mixture in HT-29 colon cancer cells. RQ decreased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by up to 2.25-fold and increased the antioxidant capacity by up to 3-fold in HT-29 cells (3.8-60 μg/mL), whereas IC50 values for viability were 18.13, 18.73, and 11.85 μg/mL, respectively. RQ also induced caspase-3-cleavage (2-fold) and increased PARP cleavage. Specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors are overexpressed in colon and other cancers and regulate genes required for cell proliferation survival and angiogenesis. RQ treatment decreased the expression of Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4 mRNA and this was accompanied by decreased protein expression. Moreover, the Sp-dependent antiapoptotic survival gene survivin was also significantly reduced, both at mRNA and protein levels. RQ decreased microRNA-27a (miR-27a) and induced zinc finger protein ZBTB10, an Sp-repressor, suggesting that interactions of RQ with the miR-27a-ZBTB10-axis play a role in Sp downregulation. This was confirmed by transfection of cells with the specific mimic for miR-27a, which partially reversed the effects of RQ. These findings are consistent with previous studies on botanical anticancer agents in colon cancer cells.

Anti-proliferative properties of commercial Pelargonium sidoides tincture, with cell-cycle G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis in Jurkat leukaemia cells

“…Likewise, in plant extracts, synergistic bioactive effects between polyphenolics can occur. Del Follo-Martinez et al (2013) reported that resveratrol and quercetin in combination had increased anticancer activity in colon cancer cells.…”

OSU-CG5, a novel energy restriction mimetic agent, targets human colorectal cancer cells in vitro

“…Previous studies have suggested the importance of energy restriction employment in CRC [25,26] . Resveratrol is one of the compounds that have successfully changed the clinical course of patients with CRC through various mechanisms, including energy restriction [27][28][29] . On the other hand, OSU-CG5, by eliciting starvation-associated cellular responses through glucose uptake inhibition, has demonstrated a therapeutic value in targeting prostate cancer cells [21] .…”

Activity-guided isolation and identification of the major antioxidant and anticancer compounds from a commercial Pelargonium sidoides tincture

“…Combinations of resveratrol and quercetin were observed to increase anticancer activity in colon cancer cells (Del Follo-Martinez et al, 2013).…”