Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the biological activity of four extracts obtained from Cicer arietinum L. sprouts. The fermentation of the sprouts with Lactobacillus casei and their incubation with β-glucosidase elevated the concentrations of isoflavonoids, especially coumestrol, formononetin and biochanin A. To study the biological activity of C. arietinum, the human osteosarcoma Saos-2 and human breast cancer MCF-7 cell lines were used. The extracts obtained from fermented sprouts exhibited the strongest ability to decrease intracellular oxidative stress in both types of cells. They augmented mineralization and alkaline phosphatase activity in Saos-2 cells, as well as diminished the secretion of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α. Simultaneously, the extracts, at the same doses, inhibited the migration of MCF-7 cells. On the other hand, elevated concentrations of C. arietinum induced apoptosis in estrogen-dependent MCF-7 cells, while lower doses stimulated cell proliferation. These results are important for carefully considering the use of fermented C. arietinum sprouts as a dietary supplement component for the prevention of osteoporosis.
Highlights
There is growing evidence showing the beneficial properties of plant-originated dietary components for disease prevention [1]
Results were considered statistically significant when p ≤ 0.05. This is the first study to demonstrate the effects of fermented C. arietinum sprouts on osteosarcoma Saos-2 and breast cancer MCF-7 cells
The extracts obtained from fermented sprouts had large amounts of isoflavonoids, mainly coumestrol, formononetin and biochanin A
Summary
There is growing evidence showing the beneficial properties of plant-originated dietary components for disease prevention [1]. In addition to several nutrients, the most relevant phytocompounds affecting human health are phenolic compounds These plant secondary metabolites possess strong antioxidant properties and have been proven to modulate cell-signal transduction at the molecular level during in vitro and in vivo experiments [1,2,3,4,5,6]. Estrogens significantly participate in bone-tissue mineralization, lipid metabolism and cardioprotection, and their deficiency, especially after menopause, significantly increases the risk of atherosclerotic disease and osteoporosis [9] They are natural ligands of nuclear estrogen receptors (ER), which act as transcription factors by binding to the estrogen response element (ERE), and regulate the expression of other genes related with cell proliferation, migration and differentiation (Figure 1) [10]. Estrogen receptors can activate a rapid non-genomic response
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