1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-3-(3-phenoxyphenyl) prop-2-en-1-one: A Diphenyl Chalcone Derivative with Potent Antitumor Activity Via Up-Regulation of p21 Gene

Background and Aim: Cancer is a disease of complex aetiology and is characterised by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. It is a major worldwide health problem. Many natural and synthetic chalcone or their derivatives showed anticancer activities. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the anticancer activity of novel chalcone derivatives and also to establish possible mechanism of action. Materials and Methods: A series of chalcones 3-(3-phenoxyphenyl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (2a); 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(3-phenoxyphenyl) prop-2-en-1-one (2b); 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(3-phenoxyphenyl) prop-2-en-1-one (2c); 1-(4-Nitro-phenyl)-3-(3-phenoxy-phenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (2d); 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(3-phenoxyphenyl) prop-2-en-1-one(2e) were evaluated for the cytotoxic activity both in vitro and in vivo. The in vivo antitumor activity of these compounds was estimated on Daltons Ascites Lymphoma induced solid tumor model. The effect of promising compound was further analysed by flow cytometer and RT- PCR analysis. Results and Conclusion: 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(3-phenoxyphenyl) prop-2-en-1-one and 1-(4- chlorophenyl)-3-(3-phenoxyphenyl) prop-2-en-1-one was showed in vitro cytotoxic activity, DNA damage and antiproliferative activity. DLA induced solid tumor model suggested that 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(3- phenoxy phenyl) prop-2-en-1-one significantly reduced the tumor volume, increase the percentage tumor inhibition and reverse the haematological parameters. Flow cytometry analysis concluded that the compound induces cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase due to the over expression of p21. 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(3- phenoxy phenyl) prop-2-en-1-one may be a potential agent for cancer treatment.