Bavachin suppresses human placental choriocarcinoma cells by targeting electron transport chain complexes and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Bavachin suppresses human placental choriocarcinoma cells by targeting electron transport chain complexes and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Free Radic Biol Med. 2020 Jun 04;:
Authors: Lee JY, Lim W, Song G
Abstract
Phytoestrogens are naturally derived estrogen-like therapeutic compounds that have long been studied for their role as anti-cancer agents and supplements during chemotherapy. Bavachin is a therapeutic phytoestrogen used to treat cancer, inflammation, and diabetes mellitus. Though the therapeutic effects of bavachin on various diseases have been explored, its anti-cancer effects and related mechanisms in human placental choriocarcinoma remain unknown. This is the first study to identify the anti-cancer potential of bavachin on human placental choriocarcinoma cell lines JEG3 and JAR. Placental mitochondria support the elevated energy production required for placental development, through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Based on this concept, we hypothesized that mitochondrial targeting by bavachin may contribute to anti-cancer activities in high-OXPHOS subtypes of cancer such as placental choriocarcinoma. Apoptosis and caspase activities were increased by bavachin in placental choriocarcinoma cells. Bavachin altered metabolic phenotypes by regulating electron transport chain complex and OXPHOS to suppress choriocarcinoma cell proliferation. It also led to calcium disruption and endoplasmic reticulum stress accompanied by mi...

Source: Free Radical Biology and Medicine - June 3, 2020 Category: Biology Authors: Lee JY, Lim W, Song G Tags: Free Radic Biol Med Source Type: research