In vitro anticancer activity of cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside: effects on transformed and non-transformed T lymphocytes.

BACKGROUND: Little is known regarding the potentially chemopreventive activity of cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside (Cy-g), the main anthocyanin present in the juice of pigmented oranges, apart from its antioxidant activity. After excluding a potential genotoxicity of Cy-g, its ability to induce apoptosis on transformed and normal T cells was analysed. In order to delineate the events leading to apoptosis, the expression of different proteins, known to be involved in apoptosis, was also measured. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The evaluation of genotoxicity was performed by the micronucleus test. Flow cytometry was used for the analysis of apoptotic cells and proteins involved in the modulation of apoptosis. RESULTS: Cy-g was nongenotoxic. Moreover, it induced apoptosis in both cell systems, modulated by an increase of p53 and bax proteins. CONCLUSION: These interesting biological properties should encourage further studies into the chemopreventive potential of Cy-g. Nevertheless, its activity in normal T cells underlines the need for extensive toxicological investigation.