Utilization of the Ability to Induce Activation of the Nuclear Factor (Erythroid-derived 2)-like Factor 2 (Nrf2) to Assess Potential Cancer Chemopreventive Activity of Liquorice Samples.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that regulates expression of many detoxification enzymes. Nrf2-antioxidant responsive element (Nrf2-ARE) signalling pathway can be a target for cancer chemoprevention. Glycyrrhiza glabra, common name, 'liquorice', is used as a sweetening and flavouring agent, and traditionally, to treat various ailments, and implicated to chemoprevention. However, its chemopreventive property has not yet been scientifically substantiated.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the ability of liquorice root samples to induce Nrf2 activation correlating to their potential chemopreventive property.

METHODS:

The ability of nine methanolic extracts of liquorice root samples, collected from various geographical origins, to induce Nrf2 activation was determined by the luciferase reporter assay using the ARE-reporter cell line, AREc32. The antioxidant properties were determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) and the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays.

RESULTS:

All extracts exhibited free-radical-scavenging property (RC50  = 136.39-635.66 µg/mL). The reducing capacity of ferrous ion was 214.46-465.59 μM Fe(II)/g. Nrf2 activation indicated that all extracts induced expression of ARE-driven luciferase activity with a maximum induction of 2.3 fold relative to control. These activities varied for samples from one geographical location to another.

CONCLUSIONS:

The present findings add to the existing knowledge of cancer chemoprevention by plant-derived extracts or purified phytochemicals, particularly the potential use of liquorice for this purpose. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

• Authors: Norazah Basar, Lutfun Nahar, Olayinka Ayotunde Oridupa, Kenneth J Ritchie, Anupam D Talukdar, Angela Stafford, Habibjon Kushiev, Asuman Kan, Satyajit D Sarker
• Journal: Phytochemical analysis : PCA (Phytochem Anal) Vol. 27 Issue 5 Pg. 233-8 (Sep 2016) ISSN: 1099-1565 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 27527356 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Chemical References

• NF-E2-Related Factor 2
• NFE2L2 protein, human

Topics

• Cell Line
• Chemoprevention
• Glycyrrhiza
• Humans
• NF-E2-Related Factor 2 (metabolism)