Biological and Molecular Efficiency of Paracentrotus lividus Shell in vitro Study: Antioxidant and Angiogenesis Effects Against T47D Breast Cancer Cell Line Via Nrf2/HMOX-1/ and HIF-1α /VEGF Signaling Pathways

The sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) shell investigation reveals a wealth of bioactive compounds. The bioactive ingredients were observed using UPLCMS/MS profiling. The anti-diabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory qualities of P. lividus shell extract were assessed concerning NO, MDA, CAT, and SOD levels. Also, cytotoxic, and anti-angiogenic impact on colon (Caco-2) and breast (T47D) carcinoma cells and quantificated of Nrf2/HMOX-1 and HIF-1α/VEGF pathway expression were evaluated. Our findings indicate that the extract possesses remarkable antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ equal to (0.1056 ± 0.083 and 30.42 ± 1.52 μg/mL; for DPPH and ABTS⁺ respectively), antidiabetic with IC₅₀ (1.572 ± 0.13 μg/mL) and anti-inflammatory with IC₅₀ (2.090 ± 0.49 μg/mL). Notably, it exhibits potent anticancer effects against human breast (T47D) and colon (Caco-2) cancer cell lines, (30.55 ± 1.19 and 31.34 ± 1.22 µg/mL respectively). The extract induces oxidative stress and apoptosis, as evidenced by elevated NO and MDA levels, alongside reduced SOD and CAT activities. Moreover, the downregulation of Nrf2/HMOX-1 and HIF-1α/VEGF pathways expression suggests intricate molecular mechanisms underlying its anticancer properties, potentially involving the modulation of oxidative stress and angiogenesis. These findings underscore the sea urchin (P. lividus) shell as a potent reservoir of bioactive constituents with promising applications in pharmaceutical research and offering new avenues for drug discovery.

Graphical Abstract