Effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on the expression of antagonists of the Wnt signaling pathway in cocultures of osteoblastic cells and squamous cell carcinoma cells

• Grant number: 16/11339-7
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2016
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Lucas Novaes Teixeira
• Grantee: Priscila Coelho de Almeida
• Home Institution: Centro de Pesquisas Odontológicas São Leopoldo Mandic. Faculdade São Leopoldo Mandic (SLMANDIC). Sociedade Regional de Ensino e Saúde S/S Ltda (SRES). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignant neoplasm in women worldwide. At diagnosis, approximately 10% of patients have distant metastases, with the bone being the most affected organ. The neoplastic cells frequently metastasize to active areas of bone growth, such as the distal epiphysis of long bones, sternum and vertebrae. However, other bones of the human skeleton can also be affected, including those comprising the craniofacial complex, such as the mandible and maxilla. The osteolytic lesions of metastatic breast cancer may occur due to an increase in osteoclastic cells activity and/or a reduction in osteoblast cells differentiation. In this context, the role of antagonists of the Wnt signaling pathway should be taken into account, since this signaling pathway is related with osteogenesis. Several studies have described different therapeutic actions of the caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a propolis-derived compound. In many tumors, including breast cancer, CAPE reduces cell proliferation and metastatic potential. On the other hand, in the bone tissue this drug can inhibit osteoclastogenesis and accelerate bone regeneration. However, the molecular mechanisms associated with these biological findings, particularly those involving the Wnt signaling pathway are not fully understood. Thus, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of CAPE on the expression of antagonists of the Wnt signaling pathway in cocultures of osteoblastic cells and squamous cell carcinoma cells. It will be assayed the expression of Dickkopf 1 (Dkk-1) and Esclerostin (SOST) genes by Real Time PCR. (AU)