Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Anti-cancer Activities of MS17 [1, 5-bis (2-hydroxyphenyl)- 1, 4-pentadiene-3-one] and Curcumin-treated Human Colon Cancer Cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide. Curcumin is a natural compound extracted from turmeric, which shows anti-cancer effects in CRC. However, curcumin has limitations, such as low bioavailability and poor stability. Diarylpentanoids are curcumin analogues synthesised from structural modification of curcumin, which exhibit potent anti-cancer effects against CRC. In the present study, diarylpentanoid MS17 [1,5-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4-pentadiene-3-one] was more potent than curcumin to induce cytotoxicity and anti-proliferation in colon cancer cells. MS17 demonstrated anti-cancer activities in colon cancer cells by regulating protein expression associated with molecular pathways.