title: Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of the oxidative dimerization product of methyl caffeate on human breast cancer cells.
abstract: Caffeic acid derivatives are increasingly regarded as potential oncoprotective that could inhibit both the initiation and progression of cancer. Here we have synthesized seven 1-arylnaphthalene lignans and related compounds and tested their impact on breast cancer cell growth in tissue culture. The product of the oxidative dimerization of methyl caffeate, 1-phenylnaphthalene lignan, was found to induce a strong decrease in breast cancer cell number (IC(50) ~1 μM) and was selected for further investigation. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a decrease in cell proliferation and an increase in apoptosis in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines that are representative of the two main categories of breast tumors. The 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl group probably induced the biological activity, as the control compounds lacking it had no effect on breast cancer cells. Together, our data indicate that the oxidative dimerization product of methyl caffeate can inhibit breast cancer cell growth at a concentration adequate for pharmacological use.
authors.affiliation: Université Lille 1, EA4478, F-59650 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France.
authors.forename: Fabrice
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bailly
authors.forename: Robert-Alain
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Toillon
authors.forename: Olympe
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Tomavo
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jouy
authors.forename: Hubert
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hondermarck
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cotelle
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002109:Caffeic Acids / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D019281:Dimerization; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D020128:Inhibitory Concentration 50; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction
chemical_list: D002109:Caffeic Acids; C042405:methyl caffeate