The effects of caffeic, coumaric and ferulic acids on proliferation, superoxide production, adhesion and migration of human tumor cells in vitro

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species are well-known mediators of various biological responses. In this study, we examined the effect of three phenolic acids, caffeic, coumaric and ferulic acids, on superoxide anion production, adhesion and migration of human lung (A549) and colon adenocarcinoma (HT29-D4) cancer cell lines. Proliferation of both tumor cells was inhibited by phenolic acids. Caffeic, coumaric and ferulic acids also significantly inhibited superoxide production in A549 and HT29-D4 cells. Superoxide anion production decreased by 92% and 77% at the highest tested concentration (200 µM) of caffeic acid in A549 and HT29-D4 cell lines respectively. Furthermore, A549 and HT29-D4 cell adhesion was reduced by 77.9% and 79.8% respectively at the higher tested concentration of ferulic acid (200 µM). Migration assay performed towards A549 cell line, revealed that tested compounds reduced significantly cell migration. At the highest concentration tested (200 µM), the covered surface was 7.7%, 9.5% and 35% for caffeic, coumaric or ferulic acids, respectively. These results demonstrate that caffeic, coumaric and ferulic acids may participate as active ingredients in anticancer agents against lung and colon cancer development, at adhesion and migration steps of tumor progression.

On the vasoprotective mechanisms underlying novel β-phosphorylated nitrones: Focus on free radical characterization, scavenging and NO-donation in a biological model of oxidative stress

“…radicals on intracellular pool and/or key signalling enzymes can be hypothesized, similar to that proposed for flavonoids [55]. Based upon this mechanism of action, studies are currently underway to examine the anti-proliferative and apoptotic properties of anticancer drugs constructed from phenolic antioxidants such as ferulic and caffeic acids [56]. Unrelated to its lipophilicity 2-NO 2 -PPN 4j was found 6-fold more cytotoxic than PPN, a result not surprising given the known toxicity of nitroso spin traps [51] and nitroaromatic compounds.…”

Anticancer Properties of Phenolic Acids in Colon Cancer – A Review

“…Superoxide anion production decreased by 77% at the highest tested concentration (200 mM) of caffeic acid in HT29-D4 cell line. Furthermore, HT29-D4 cell adhesion was reduced by 79.8% at the higher tested concentration ferulic acid (200 mM) [29] (Figure 4).…”

Synergistic Anticancer Activity of Combined Use of Caffeic Acid with Paclitaxel Enhances Apoptosis of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer H1299 Cells in Vivo and in Vitro

“…Studies have shown that CA has various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities [7][8][9]. CA also exhibits an anti-cancer effect against human cervical carcinoma, head and neck squamous carcinoma, colon cancer, and renal carcinoma [12][13][14]26]. A previous study showed that CA promoted NSCLC A549 cell proliferation and enhanced PTX-induced proliferation inA549 cells [17], suggesting that it has the potential to facilitate A549 growth through the p53 pathway and enhance the protective effect of PTX.…”