Antineoplastic Actions of Cinnamic Acids and Their Dimers in Breast Cancer Cells: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background/aim: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in US, which necessitates constant research for medications with minimal adverse effects. The aim of the study was to determine if certain cinnamic acid dimers (CADs) exhibit higher cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells than against non-tumorigenic cells.

Materials and methods: These dimers have not been explored, so far, due to their complex stereochemistry; cavitand-mediated photodimerization (CMP) method was used to produce several CADs, which were tested for cytotoxicity, apoptosis and cell cycle inhibition.

Results: CADs such as ferulic acid dimer, 3-fluoro CAD, and 3, 4-difluoro CAD, were found to be more cytotoxic than their parent monomers. The most potent compound, 3-fluoro CAD caused apoptosis and 'S' phase cell cycle arrest in cancer cells.

Conclusion: This study indicates an avenue for research for developing a novel class of antineoplastic compounds that can be synthesized using an easy, economical method.

Keywords: Cinnamic acid dimer; apoptosis; breast cancer cells; cell cycle arrest; photodimerization.