Oleuropein Against Gastric Cancer: A New Hope of Therapy

Abstract Oleuropein (OLE), the main phenolic compound of the olive fruit and leaves, has many healthful effects. Gastric cancer is the most fatal malignity in many parts of the world and it is generally related to harmful dietetic factors. The anticarcinogenic role of OLE in gastric cancer has not been studied sufficiently yet. In this study, we aimed to search the cytotoxic, genotoxic and apoptotic effects of OLE on gastric adeno cancer (G.CA) cells in vitro. The performance of a standard cell line (G.CA) produced from G.CA cells was evaluated after a 24-hour exposure to OLE at varied dosages. The cytotoxicity, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and genotoxicity were examined using the ATP analysis for viable cells, 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein-diacetate assay (H2DCF-DA), and alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis analysis (Comet Assay), respectively. Through the use of flow cytometry, the triggering of apoptosis was revealed. OLE reduced G.CA cells viability (64%) at maximum concentration (500 μmol/L) and also resulted in approximately 100% DNA damage, 60% apoptosis and necrosis in G.CA cells depending on the increased doses. Malign cell viability was also significantly decreased in relation to growing amount intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) grades (p <0.05-0.001). In conclusion, Oleuropein has shown very significant anticarcinogen effects against G.CA cells in vitro. Nutrition rich in olive and extra virgin olive oil seems to be both protective and therapeutic against gastric cancer and Oleuropein may be a new, potential chemotherapeutic agent in the near future.