Chemotherapeutic Effects of Avenanthramides on Breast Cancer Cells

In the United States, nearly one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their life. In 2015, breast cancer accounted for nearly 30% of newly diagnosed cancers in woman, and resulted in over 40,000 deaths nationwide. Current cancer treatments effect both cancerous and non‐tumorigenic cells resulting in less effective treatment and unwanted side effects. Avenanthramides (AVA) Fig. 1, are a relatively unstudied family of phytochemicals that can be novel approach to breast cancer treatment. These bioavailable compounds, which are found exclusively in oats, have been shown to be anti‐inflammatory, and reduce reactive oxidative species and DNA damage. Most promisingly, diets consisting of AVA enriched oat extract have shown no toxicity in both animal and human models. Additionally, AVA are relatively heat stable and may be able to withstand refinery and baking processes. This study determined the chemotherapeutic activity and mechanism of action for three avenanthramide isoforms. MTT colorimetric assays show that avenanthramides decrease the viability of in vitro MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells in a time and concentration dependent manner. In addition, flow cytometric cell cycle analysis show that AVA‐C, the most potent isoform, causes an accumulation of cells in the sub G 1 phase. Treatments that selectively target cancer cells have the potential to revolutionize the way in which we treat this disease. This class of compounds is a novel approach to cancer therapy, and understanding the way in which these innovative molecules work will help the scientific community direct further cancer research. Support or Funding Information Brigham Young University Life Sciences Startup GrantThe structure of the three main AVA derivatives