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PubMed2000

Comparative chemopreventive mechanisms of green tea, black tea and selected polyphenol extracts measured by in vitro bioassays.

Black tea extracts (hot aqueous, polyphenols and theaflavins) and green tea extracts (hot aqueous, polyphenols, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin gallate) were tested in nine standardized cell culture assays for comparative cancer chemopreventive properties. Most black and green tea extracts strongly inhibited neoplastic transformation in mouse mammary organ cultures, rat tracheal epithelial cells and human lung tumor epithelial cells. Nearly all tea fractions strongly inhibited benzo[a]pyrene adduct formation with human DNA. Induction of phase II enzymes, glutathione-S-transferase and quinone reductase, were enhanced by nearly all tea fractions, while glutathione was induced by only a few fractions. Ornithine decarboxylase activity was inhibited by nearly all the green tea fractions, but none of the black tea fractions. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced free radicals were inhibited by most tea fractions. These results provide strong evidence of both anti-mutagenic, anti-proliferative and anti-neoplastic activities for both black and green tea extracts. Such anticancer mechanisms may well be responsible for the cancer preventive efficacies seen in both experimental and human studies.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Preferential induction of CYP1B1 by benzo[a]pyrene in human oral epithelial cells: impact on DNA adduct formation and prevention by polyphenols.

The roles of CYP1A1 and 1B1 in tobacco smoke carcinogen, e.g. benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), induced DNA binding and their inhibition by the dietary polyphenol 5,7-dimethoxyflavone (DMF), compared with 3',4'-dimethoxyflavone (3',4'-DMF) and resveratrol, were investigated in the human oral epithelial squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)-9 cells. A low concentration of BaP (1 microM) dramatically induced BaP-DNA adduct formation (approximately 40-fold) in a time-dependent manner, while it only increased CYP1A1/1B1 activities, as measured by ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation, approximately 3-fold. Furthermore, BaP induced both CYP1B1 and CYP1A1 mRNA and protein expression, as determined by the branched DNA assay and western blot analysis, but with considerably higher levels of CYP1B1. Combined treatment of SCC-9 cells with 1 microM BaP and 20 microM DMF inhibited BaP-DNA adduct formation. The mechanism of this effect appeared to be direct inhibition of CYP1B1 enzyme with a K(i) value of 0.58 microM, a highly potent inhibition considering the high cellular uptake of DMF in the SCC-9 cells. DMF also inhibited CYP1A1, but not CYP1B1 protein, and mRNA expression in the cells. In an extension to other polyphenols, the structural analog 3',4'-DMF, in contrast to DMF, inhibited the expression of CYP1B1 both at the mRNA and protein levels. Surprisingly, in contrast to previous studies in other cell types, resveratrol had no effect on CYP1B1 in the SCC-9 cells. Based on this study, CYP1B1 mRNA may be an early biomarker of oral cancer, being a sensitive signal for tobacco-carcinogen exposure. Methoxylated dietary flavonoids, e.g. DMF and 3',4'-DMF, may be potent chemoprotectants by direct inhibition of CYP1B1/1A1 function and/or their protein expression.

Anticarcinogenic Agents↗
PubMed2000

Cocoa and wine polyphenols modulate platelet activation and function.

There is speculation that dietary polyphenols can provide cardioprotective effects due to direct antioxidant or antithrombotic mechanisms. We report in vitro and postingestion ex vivo effects of cocoa procyanidins, a procyanidin-rich cocoa beverage and dealcoholized red wine (DRW) on human platelet activation. In a series of in vitro studies, cocoa procyanidin trimers, pentamers or DRW (3 and 10 micromol/L) were incubated with citrated peripheral whole blood in the presence and absence of platelet agonists. Platelet activation was detected using fluorescent-labeled monoclonal antibodies recognizing the fibrinogen binding conformation of GPIIb-IIIa (referred to herein as PAC-1 binding) and the activation-dependent platelet epitope CD62P (P-selectin). The percentage of CD42a-positive platelets coexpressing PAC-1 binding and/or CD62P was determined by multiparameter flow cytometry. Procyanidin trimers, pentamers and DRW added to whole blood in vitro increased PAC-1 binding and P-selectin expression. In contrast, procyanidin trimers, pentamers and DRW inhibited the platelet activation in response to epinephrine. The effects on platelet activation of cocoa beverage and DRW consumption were also studied in healthy subjects. Citrated blood was obtained before and 2 and 6 h after the ingestion of a cocoa beverage, a caffeine-containing beverage, DRW or water. Platelet activation was measured by flow cytometry. The consumption of DRW did not affect the expression of activation-dependent platelet antigens, either unstimulated or after ex vivo activation with epinephrine. However, the consumption of DRW increased PAC-1 binding in response to 100 micromol/L ADP ex vivo. Cocoa consumption reduced platelet response to agonists ex vivo. The ingestion of water had no effect on platelet activation, whereas a caffeine-containing beverage augmented the response of platelets to epinephrine. In summary, select cocoa procyanidins and DRW added to whole blood in vitro increased expression of platelet activation markers in unstimulated platelets but suppressed the platelet activation response to epinephrine. In contrast, cocoa consumption suppressed unstimulated and stimulated platelet activation in whole blood. This suppressive effect observed on platelet reactivity may explain in part the reported cardioprotective effects of dietary polyphenols.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Iron bioavailability in humans from breakfasts enriched with iron bis-glycine chelate, phytates and polyphenols.

This study was conducted to determine the bioavailability of iron amino acid chelate (ferrochel) added to fortify breads prepared from either precooked corn flour or white wheat flour + cheese and margarine compared with the same basal breakfast enriched with either ferrous sulfate or iron-EDTA. The inhibitory effect of phytate and polyphenols on iron absorption from ferrochel was also tested. A total of 74 subjects were studied in five experiments. Iron absorption from ferrochel was about twice the absorption from ferrous sulfate (P: < 0.05). When ferrous sulfate and ferrochel were administered together or in different meals, absorption from ferrochel was about twice the absorption from ferrous sulfate (P: < 0.05). Polyphenols present in coffee and tea inhibited iron absorption in a dose-dependent manner. American-type coffee did not modify iron absorption significantly, whereas both espresso-type coffee and tea reduced iron absorption from ferrochel by 50% (P: < 0. 05). Ferrochel partially prevented the inhibitory effect of phytates. Because of its high solubility in aqueous solutions even at pH 6, its low interactions with food and high absorption, ferrochel is a suitable compound for food fortification.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Salacia reticulata and its polyphenolic constituents with lipase inhibitory and lipolytic activities have mild antiobesity effects in rats.

Salacia (S.) reticulata, a Hippocrateaceae plant distributed in Sri Lankan and Indian forests, has been used as a supplementary food in Japan to prevent obesity and diabetes. We examined the antiobesity effects of the hot water-soluble extract (SRHW) from the roots of S. reticulata using obese rat models and an in vitro study. Body weight (P = 0.07) and periuterine fat storage (P = 0.10) in female Zucker fatty rats (8-9 wk old) tended to be suppressed by oral administration of SRHW (125 mg/kg) for 27 d. Male rats fed a high fat diet were not affected by SRHW. Furthermore, SRHW inhibited porcine pancreatic lipase (PL), rat adipose tissue-derived lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activities with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)) of 264 (95% confidence limits: 203-393) mg/L, 15 (12-18) mg/L and 54 (35-85) mg/L, respectively, but did not inhibit hormone-sensitive lipase activity in rat adipose tissue. Next, we examined the effects of polyphenols, di- and triterpenes and salacinol isolated from the roots of S. reticulata on lipid metabolizing enzymes and lipolysis. (-)-Epigallocatechin and (-)-epicatechin-(4beta-->8)-(-)-4'-O-methylepigallocatechin inhibited PL activity with IC(50) of 88 (not calculated) and 68 (26-122) mg/L, respectively. (-)-Epicatechin, 3beta, 22beta-dihydroxyolean-12-en-29-oic acid and the tannin fraction inhibited LPL activity with IC(50) of 81 (54-214), 89 (62-214) and 35 (24-62) mg/L. Only the tannin fraction inhibited GPDH activity with an IC(50) of 6.8 (3.4-10.9) mg/L. These constituents may be involved in the lipase and GPDH inhibitory activities of SRHW. On the other hand, SRHW at 100 mg/L tended to enhance lipolysis in rat adipocytes (P = 0.06). Significant lipolytic effects were exerted by mangiferin, (-)-4'-O-methylepigallocatechin and maytenfolic acid at 100 mg/L (P < 0.01). In conclusion, polyphenolic compounds may be involved in the antiobesity effects of SRHW in rats through inhibition of fat metabolizing enzymes (PL, LPL and GPDH) and enhanced lipolysis.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2003

Polyphenols, inflammatory response, and cancer prevention: chlorination of isoflavones by human neutrophils.

An important aspect of the risk of cancer is the involvement of the inflammatory response. Currently, antiinflammatory agents are used in chemopreventive strategies. For example, aspirin is recommended for the prevention of colon cancer as well as breast and other cancers. The inflammatory response involves the production of cytokines and proinflammatory oxidants such as hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and peroxynitrite (ONO2-) produced by neutrophils and macrophages, respectively. These oxidants react with phenolic tyrosine residues on proteins to form chloro- and nitrotyrosine. Diets rich in polyphenols (green tea catechins, soy isoflavones) have also been shown to be chemopreventive. The aromatic nature of polyphenols makes them potential targets of HOCl and ONO2-. These reactions may create novel pharmacophores at the site of inflammation. Previous studies in the neutrophil-like cell line, differentiated HL-60 cells, demonstrated the formation of chlorinated and nitrated isoflavones. In this study we have examined whether similar reactions occur in freshly isolated human neutrophils. After induction of a respiratory burst with a phorbol ester, isoflavones and their metabolites were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and then quantitatively measured by LC-mass spectrometry using multiple-reaction ion monitoring. The data obtained indicate that both chlorinated and nitrated genistein are formed by human neutrophils. The extent of chlorination of genistein was markedly increased by the phorbol ester whereas the low level of nitration of genistein was constitutive and unaffected. These data imply a potential role for modified forms of genistein that would be produced in the inflammatory environment in and around a tumor.

Anticarcinogenic Agents↗
PubMed2004

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a green tea-derived polyphenol, inhibits IL-1 beta-dependent proinflammatory signal transduction in cultured respiratory epithelial cells.

Polyphenolic components of green tea, such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), have potent anti-inflammatory properties. We previously showed that EGCG inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-mediated activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) pathway, partly through inhibition of I kappa B kinase (IKK). The NF-kappa B pathway may also be activated in response to interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) stimulation through a distinct signal transduction pathway. We therefore hypothesized that EGCG inhibits IL-1 beta-mediated activation of the NF-kappa B pathway. Because the gene expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8), the major human neutrophil chemoattractant, is dependent on activation of NF-kappa B, IL-8 gene expression in human lung epithelial (A549) cells treated with human IL-1 beta was used as a model of IL-1 beta signal transduction. The EGCG markedly inhibited IL-1 beta-mediated IL-1 beta receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) degradation and the signaling events downstream from IRAK degradation: IKK activation, I kappa B alpha degradation, and NF-kappa B activation. In addition, EGCG inhibited phosphorylation of the p65 subunit of NF-kappa B. The functional consequence of this inhibition was evident by inhibition of IL-8 gene expression. Therefore, the green tea polyphenol EGCG is a potent inhibitor of IL-1 beta signal transduction in vitro. The proximal mechanisms of this effect involve inhibition of IRAK-dependent signaling and phosphorylation of p65.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗
PubMed2006

Cocoa polyphenols inhibit phorbol ester-induced superoxide anion formation in cultured HL-60 cells and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and activation of NF-kappaB and MAPKs in mouse skin in vivo.

We investigated the antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities of a flavonoid-rich polyphenolic fraction of cocoa. Cocoa polyphenol (CP) was fractionated from commercial cocoa powder and contained 468 mg/g of gallic acid-equivalent phenolics and 413 mg/g epicatechin-equivalent flavonoids. CP exhibited a dose-dependent free radical-scavenging activity as determined by both 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assays. CP also dose-dependently inhibited xanthine oxidase activity and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced superoxide-anion generation in cultured human promyeolcytic leukemia HL-60 cells. Oral administering of CP (4, 20, 40, and 200 mg/kg body weight) to ICR mice 1 h prior to TPA (10 nmol) inhibited ear edema at 5 h in a dose-dependent manner. The levels of COX-2 expression induced in mouse skin after 4-h treatment with topical TPA (10 nmol) was also diminished significantly by pretreating CP (40 or 200 mg/kg) for 30 min. CP at the same doses inhibited TPA-induced nuclear translocation of p65 and subsequent DNA binding of NF-kappaB at 1 h by blocking the degradation of IkappaBalpha in mouse skin. Moreover, phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in ICR mouse skin, measured 4 h after TPA treatment, was suppressed by oral pretreatment of CP (40 or 200 mg/kg). Although extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 phosphorylation was unaffected, CP inhibited the catalytic activity of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 in TPA-stimulated mouse skin. Since cellular proinflammatory and prooxidant states are closely linked to tumor promotion, the antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties of CP may constitute the basis of possible antitumor promoting effects of this phytochemical.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Tea polyphenols and theaflavins are present in prostate tissue of humans and mice after green and black tea consumption.

Green and black tea have shown promise in the chemoprevention of prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the bioavailability and bioactivity of tea polyphenols (PP) and theaflavins in human serum and human and mouse tissues. A decaffeinated black tea diet was administered to C57BL/6 mice. PPs and theaflavins were found in the small and large intestine, liver, and prostate in conjugated and free forms. The relative prostate bioavailability of theaflavin was 70% higher than that of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). In the second mouse study, a green tea (GT) diet was administered followed by the control diet for 1-5 d. Epicatechin (EC), EGCG, and epicatechin gallate (ECG) concentrations in prostate tissue were significantly decreased after 1 d of consuming the control diet. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGC), however, did not decrease significantly. For the human study, 20 men scheduled for surgical prostatectomy were randomly assigned to consume 1.42 L daily of GT, BT, or a caffeine-matched soda control (SC) for 5 d before radical prostatectomy. Tea PPs were greater in prostate samples from men consuming BT and GT than in men consuming SC (P = 0.0025). Although tea PP were not detectable in serum, ex vivo LNCaP prostate cancer cell proliferation was less when cells were grown in media containing patient serum collected after BT (P < 0.001) and GT (P = 0.025) consumption relative to baseline serum This is the first human study to show that tea polyphenols and theaflavins are bioavailable in the prostate where they may be active in the prevention of prostate cancer.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits ethanol-induced activation of pancreatic stellate cells.

BACKGROUND: Activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a central role in the pathogenesis of pancreatic fibrogenesis and inflammation. Ethanol, a major cause of chronic pancreatitis, directly induces PSC activation and oxidative stress. Inhibition of PSC activation or stimulation to PSC might be an effective therapeutic strategy for the prevention of pancreatic fibrosis, and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major component of green tea extracts, is a potent antioxidant of polyphenols. Therefore, we examined the mechanisms through which ethanol induces oxidative stress on PSCs and evaluated the effect of EGCG on activation and cell functions of ethanol-stimulated PSCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PSCs were isolated from the pancreas of male Wister rats with Nycodenz gradient methods and cells between passages one and four were used. Isolated PSCs were cultured with ethanol (50 mM) in the absence or presence of EGCG (5 microM or 25 microM). RESULTS: The EGCG pre-treatment abolished ethanol-induced lipid peroxidation of the cell membrane, loss of total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and suppressed ethanol-induced gene expressions of Mn- and Cu/Zn-SOD. EGCG also suppressed ethanol-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphorylation, alpha-smooth muscle actin production in PSCs and activated transforming growth factor-beta1 secretion into the medium. Furthermore, EGCG inhibited ethanol-induced type-I procollagen production and collagen secretion. In addition, EGCG inhibited transformation of freshly isolated cells to activated myofibroblast-like phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that green tea and polyphenols could prevent pancreatic fibrosis by inhibiting PSC activation through the antioxidative effect.

Actins↗
PubMed1994

Study of the interaction between salivary proline-rich proteins and a polyphenol by 1H-NMR spectroscopy.

The interaction between salivary proline-rich proteins and plant polyphenols (tannins) in the oral cavity and their subsequent precipitation influences the taste, texture and nutritional value of food; it is thought to be responsible for the astringency of many foods and beverages. To investigate the interaction, two-dimensional 1H-NMR studies have been carried out on the binding of a representative polyphenol, pentagalloyl glucose, to two synthetic peptides (19 and 22 residues in length) that are typical of the repeat sequence of mouse salivary proline-rich protein MP5. Intermolecular nuclear Overhauser effects and chemical shift changes show that the main binding sites on the peptides are proline residues together with the preceding amide bond and amino acid. The interaction is principally a hydrophobic association between a galloyl ring and the pyrrolidine ring face containing the C alpha proton, but secondary hydrogen-bonding effects help to stabilise the complex. Very similar interactions are seen for both peptides. The conformation of the peptides remains extended on binding. The chemical shift changes seen for many of the peptide protons can be fitted to a simple binding curve with dissociation constant of around 40 mM, but some protons show evidence of cooperative binding involving several galloyl groups. Higher concentrations of pentagalloyl glucose lead to a reduced off-rate from the complex and eventual precipitation which implies that precipitation is caused by a kinetic competition between aggregation and dissociation of the complex.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2003

Preservation of human saphenous vein against reactive oxygen species-induced oxidative stress by green tea polyphenol pretreatment.

The injurious effects of reactive oxygen species on venous tissues and the potential protective role played by green tea polyphenol (GTPP) on human saphenous veins were investigated. Oxidative stress was induced exogenously in the vein segments, either by adding 0.8 or 1.6 M of H2O2, or by using 80 or 160 U/L of xanthine oxidase in the presence of xanthine (0.5 mM). After incubation, the viability of the endothelial cells dissociated from veins and the histology of the veins were evaluated. Due to both types of treatment, a significant decrease in cellular viability, severe morphological changes in the veins, and extracellular structural damage were induced. The H2O2-induced alterations were prevented by preincubating the veins with either 0.5 or 1.0 mg/ml of GTPP for 1 h. When the oxidative stress was induced by xanthine oxidase, cellular viability and venous structure were preserved at the same polyphenol concentrations. These results demonstrate that GTPP can act as a biological antioxidant and protect veins from oxidative stress-induced toxicity.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed2002

Inhibition by wine polyphenols of peroxynitrite-initiated chemiluminescence and NADH oxidation.

Peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) is a powerful oxidant produced by neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes as a signaling and cytotoxic molecule from their primary production of nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide anion (O(2)(-)). In the vascular space, ONOO(-) will likely oxidize lipoproteins and promote atherogenesis. Pure wine flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin, myricetin), hydroxycinnamates (caffeic acid, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid), and plain Argentine red wines were assayed as ONOO(-) scavengers in two assays: (a) ONOO(-)-initiated chemiluminescence and (b) ONOO(-)-dependent oxidation. The assayed polyphenols as well as the red wines were effective inhibitors of the ONOO(-)-driven oxidation reactions. Fifty percent of the pure substances were observed in the range of 30-300 microM and in the case of red wines with the equivalent of 80-120 microM of flavonoids. The amphipatic nature of wine polyphenols will lead to their accumulation at the lipoprotein surface, according to the Gibbs adsorption equation, where they are likely to prevent ONOO(-)-induced tyrosine nitration and LDL modification.

Flavonoids↗
PubMed2002

Antithrombotic effect of polyphenols in experimental models: a mechanism of reduced vascular risk by moderate wine consumption.

Epidemiological studies have suggested that cardiovascular disease can be decreased by moderate wine consumption, but an overall quantitative estimation of the relationship between wine intake and vascular risk is lacking. A meta-analysis was therefore performed on 19 studies selected on the basis of the availability of specific information on the cardiovascular relative risk (RR) associated with wine consumption. A significant risk reduction (RR: 0.66, 95% CI 0.57-0.75) was associated with moderate (1-2 drinks or 150-300 mL/d) versus no wine consumption. In five studies which excluded ex-drinkers as reference group, the overall RR associated with wine consumption was 0.61 (95% CI 0.57-0.75). A dose-response relation between wine intake and vascular risk resulted in a J-shaped curve, with a significant risk reduction at about 300 mL/d (trend analysis p = 0.032). Two studies were also performed to investigate the effects of wine polyphenols on experimental thrombosis in rats. Supplementation for 10 days with alcohol-free red wine--but not white wine or alcohol--induced a significant reduction of stasis-induced venous thrombosis, an effect blunted by NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME. In rats with diet-induced hyperlipidemia, alcohol-free red wine supplementation significantly delayed the thrombotic occlusion of an artificial prosthesis inserted into the abdominal aorta, but did not affect the increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels. TRAP values were significantly higher in animals receiving alcohol-free wine. Altogether these experimental data support an antithrombotic role of polyphenols in the reduced vascular risk associated with moderate wine consumption in man, as shown by our epidemiological studies.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed1995

Protection against ultraviolet-B radiation-induced local and systemic suppression of contact hypersensitivity and edema responses in C3H/HeN mice by green tea polyphenols.

Exposure of skin to UV radiation can cause diverse biological effects, including induction of inflammation, alteration in cutaneous immune cells and impairment of contact hypersensitivity (CHS) responses. Our laboratory has demonstrated that oral feeding as well as topical application of a polyphenolic fraction isolated from green tea (GTP) affords protection against the carcinogenic effects of UVB (280-320 nm) radiation. In this study, we investigated whether GTP could protect against UVB-induced immunosuppression and cutaneous inflammatory responses in C3H mice. Immunosuppression was assessed by contact sensitization with 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene applied to UVB-irradiated skin (local suppression) or to a distant site (systemic suppression), while double skin-fold swelling was used as the measure of UVB-induced inflammation. Topical application of GTP (1-6 mg/animal), 30 min prior to or 30 min after exposure to a single dose of UVB (2 kJ/m2) resulted in significant protection against local (25-90%) and systemic suppression (23-95%) of CHS and inflammation in mouse dorsal skin (70-80%). These protective effects were dependent on the dose of GTP employed; increasing the dose (1-6 mg/animal) resulted in an increased protective effect (25-93%). The protective effects were also dependent on the dose of UVB (2-32 kJ/m2). Among the four major epicatechin derivatives present in GTP, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, the major constituent in GTP, was found to be the most effective in affording protection against UVB-caused CHS and inflammatory responses. Our study suggests that green tea, specifically polyphenols present therein, may be useful against inflammatory dermatoses and immunosuppression caused by solar radiation.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Involvement of Nrf2, p38, B-Raf, and nuclear factor-kappaB, but not phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, in induction of hemeoxygenase-1 by dietary polyphenols.

The highly inducible enzyme, hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), metabolizes heme, thereby protecting a variety of cells against oxidative stress and apoptosis. Up-regulation by cancer chemopreventive agents has been reported, but its regulation and function in transformed cells are unclear. We compared induction by two dietary polyphenols, curcumin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), with that by the endogenous substrate hemin in epithelial and endothelial cells and examined the relevance to apoptosis. Curcumin or hemin (20 microM) induced HO-1 in breast cells from 5 to 24 h. Curcumin (5-40 microM) or hemin (5-100 microM) induced HO-1 and nuclear levels of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-related factor (Nrf2) in a dose-dependent manner. EGCG had no effect in breast cells, but at 30 microM, it induced nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and HO-1 expression in B-lymphoblasts. In all cases, induction was inhibited by pretreatment with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (LY294002) or the p38 inhibitor 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)1H-imidazole (SB203580). The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)-DNA binding inhibitor helenalin (20 microM) also prevented induction. However, wortmannin had no effect, suggesting that PI3K was not involved. Curcumin and hemin also induced nuclear Nrf2 and HO-1 effectively in wild-type mouse embryo fibroblasts (wt MEFs) and in B-Raf(-/-) MEFs but not in Nrf2(-/-) MEFs. However, EGCG (5-20 microM) induced HO-1 only in wt MEFs. Results suggest that signaling through p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, NF-kappaB, and Nrf2 as well as other unidentified molecules is involved in HO-1 induction by hemin and both polyphenols, but cell-specific factors also play a role, particularly with respect to EGCG. Induction of HO-1 by curcumin, EGCG, or low concentrations (5-10 microM) of helenalin did not protect MDA-MB468 breast cells or B-lymphoblasts from apoptosis.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Biosynthesized tea polyphenols inactivate Chlamydia trachomatis in vitro.

Biosynthesized tea polyphenols showed antichlamydial activity against Chlamydia trachomatis D/UW-3/Cx and L2/434/Bu using cell culture. The most active compounds were (-)-epigallocatechin gallate and (-)-epicatechin gallate, followed by (-)-epicatechin (EC). (+)-Epicatechin and (-)-epigallocatechin were intermediate. EC was the least toxic. These results warrant evaluation of tea polyphenols as topical antichlamydial agents.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2006

Green tea polyphenols function as prooxidants to activate oxidative-stress-responsive transcription factors in yeasts.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant polyphenolic flavonoid in green tea. Catechin and its derivatives, including EGCG, are widely believed to function as antioxidants. Here we demonstrate that both EGCG and green tea extract (GTE) cause oxidative stress-related responses in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe under weak alkaline conditions in terms of the activation of oxidative-stress-responsive transcription factors. GTE as well as EGCG induced the nuclear localization of Yap1 in S. cerevisiae, which was repressed by the addition of catalase but not by the addition of superoxide dismutase. The same phenomena were observed for the nucleocytoplasmic localization of Msn2 in S. cerevisiae and Pap1, a Yap1 homologue, in S. pombe. The formation of intramolecular disulfide bonds has been proposed to be crucial for the H(2)O(2)-induced nuclear localization of Yap1, and we verified the importance of cysteine residues of Yap1 in response to EGCG and GTE. Additionally, we show that EGCG and GTE produce H(2)O(2) in a weak alkaline medium. Finally, we conclude that tea polyphenols are able to act as prooxidants to cause a response to oxidative stress in yeasts under certain conditions.

Camellia sinensis↗