| Resumo: |
Skin cancer (CA) is one of the most common neoplasms and affects a large part of the Brazilian population. It is a multifactorial disease that causes a cellular disorder, and the main factors that favor the emergence of the disease are genetic or external, which may be environmental or lifestyle habits. One of the main causes of this neoplasm is ultraviolet (UV) rays. This disease is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, which may slightly invade associated tissues, a phenomenon known as metastasis. CA is commonly diagnosed in adult patients with low phototypes, with a higher prevalence in individuals over 40 years of age. This neoplasm can be divided in two forms, the less aggressive non-melanoma form, which divides into basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and the more aggressive form, melanoma, which has a low incidence when compared to the others forms, however it is the one with the most aggressiveness and metastatic potential. Melanoma is the most resistant to chemotherapy, showing a low response to treatments. In this scenario, investigations for new drugs and bioactive molecules to improve treatments are essential. Therefore, cocoa (Theobroma caco L.) in highlighted in this area since it presents many bioactive molecules in its chemical matrix. For many years cacao was called food of the gods, due to the fact its potential to heal wounds. Theobroma cocoa L. has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties, due to its composition. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the anticarcinogenic activity and in vitro response to chemotherapy of cocoa extract (Theobroma cacao L.) in melanoma lines (A-375 and B16-F10). To carry out this study, both cells were exposed to different concentrations of cocoa extract (30; 100; 500; 750; 1000; 1500 and 2000 μg/mL) at a time of 24 and 72 hours of incubation. Cocoa extract was also associated with the chemotherapy drug Paclitaxel to be evaluated. After the proposed incubation time, tests were performed to measure the levels of cell viability and proliferation and oxidative stress. The results found in the respective study showed that the cocoa extract, at almost all concentrations tested, was able to reduce the levels of viability and proliferation of B16-F10 cells and the levels of proliferation of A-375 cells. The results of the anticarcinogenic action are explained by oxidative stress increasing, via an increase in the levels of total ROS, nitric oxide, and superoxide. When cocoa was tested associated with the chemotherapeutic, it showed a cytotoxic effect on human melanoma cells (A-375), improving the chemotherapeutic action, by reducing levels of cell proliferation and increasing oxidative stress. However, it did not alter the activity of Paclitaxel in B16-F10 cells. Therefore, the results highlight cocoa extract as a potent anticarnogenic agent, with an excellent profile to be used in new therapies for melanoma-type skin cancer. |
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