Green tea extract inhibits proliferation of uterine leiomyoma cells in vitro and in nude mice

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on rat leiomyoma (ELT3) cells in vitro and in a nude mice model. Study Design ELT3 cells were treated with various concentrations of EGCG. Cell proliferation, proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4) protein levels were evaluated. ELT3 cells were inoculated subcutaneously in female athymic nude mice. Animals were fed 1.25 mg EGCG (in drinking water)/mouse/day. Tumors were collected and evaluated at 4 and 8 weeks after the treatment. Results Inhibitory effect of EGCG (200 μmol/L) on ELT3 cells was observed after 24 hours of treatment ( P < .05). At ≥50 μmol/L, EGCG significantly decreased PCNA and Cdk4 protein levels ( P < .05). In vivo, EGCG treatment dramatically reduced the volume and weight of tumors at 4 and 8 weeks after the treatment ( P < .05). The PCNA and Cdk4 protein levels were significantly reduced in the EGCG-treated group ( P < .05). Conclusion EGCG effectively inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in rat ELT3 uterine leiomyoma cells in vitro and in vivo.