The regulation of steroid receptors by epigallocatechin-3-gallate in breast cancer cells

Abstract

It has been reported that phytoestrogen epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) suppresses cancer cell proliferation and may have antitumor properties. In this study, we analyzed the effects of EGCG on estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor in hormone-dependent T-47D breast cancer cells. Western blot analysis revealed EGCG induced a concentration-dependent decrease in ERα protein levels, with a 56% reduction occurring with 60 µM EGCG when compared to controls. Downregulation of ERα protein levels was observed after 24-hour co-treatment of T-47D cells with 60 µM EGCG and 10 nM 17β-estradiol (E₂). The proliferative effect of E₂ on cell viability was reversed when treated in combination with EGCG. In contrast, the combination of EGCG with the pure ER antagonist, ICI 182, 780, showed no further reduction in cell number as only 5% of the cells were viable after 6 days of treatment. These studies may provide further understanding of the interactions among flavonoids and steroid receptors in breast cancer cells.

Keywords:

• phytoestrogen
• ER
• PR
• T-47D
• antiestrogens

Acknowledgments

Funding was provided by Center of Biomedical Research and Prevention Research Center at Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan.

Statement of significance

Our studies confirm the potential of EGCG as a therapeutic agent for breast cancer, based on our observations.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.