Potential antitumor properties of a protein isolate obtained from the seeds of Amaranthus mantegazzianus

BARRIO DA AND AÑÓN MC

European Journal Nutrition

Springer

Lugar: Heidelberg, Germany; Año: 2009 vol. 49 p. 73 - 82

1436-6207

Background: Amaranth is a crop that can be grown in different soils and climates, being resistant to high temperatures, drought, and some pests. The amaranth plant has nutritional qualities and desirable biological properties. Aim of the study: To investigate the potential antitumor properties of Amaranthus-mantegazzianus–protein isolate (MPI) and elucidate the possible mechanism of action. Methods: We use four different tumor-derived and in-vitro–transformed cell lines with different morphology and tumorigenicity (MC3T3E1, UMR106, Caco-2 and TC7). Results: The MPI showed an antiproliferative effect on four cell lines with different potencies. The tumor-cell line UMR106 was the most sensitive (IC50: 1 mg/ml). This antiproliferative effect of the MPI was enhanced by protease treatment (IC50: 0.5 after 30% hydrolysis). In addition, the MPI produced morphological changes and caused a rearrangement of the cytoskeleton in UMR106 cell line. In an attempt to elucidate the mechanism of action, we observed that the MPI inhibited cell adhesion and induced apoptosis and necrosis in the UMR106 cell line. In reversibility studies we were able to observe both temporary and permanent cytostatic and cytotoxic effects on the part of the MPI, depending on its concentration. Conclusions: we report a protein isolate from the seeds of Amaranthus mantegazzianus that exhibit potential antitumor properties and propose a putative mechanism of action.