First Look at Chemopreventive Properties of Chlorella pyrenoidosa Water Extract in Human Endometrial Adenocarcinoma Cells—Preliminary In Vitro Study

Chlorella species are classified as functional food, with great anticancer effects. Despite the huge popularity of Chlorella-based products, there is a lack of evidence showing their usefulness in the prevention and treatment of endometrial cancer. The study presented here aimed to enrich knowledge resources in this area. The chemopreventive effect of water extracts of <i>Chlorella pyrenoidosa</i> was investigated in human endometrial adenocarcinoma HEC-1-B, KLE and EDC cells using MTT, BrdU, LDH, Wound assays, Cell Death Detection ELISA and nuclear double staining. <i>C. pyrenoidosa</i> extract inhibited the metabolic activity, DNA synthesis and migratory capacity of endometrial cancer cells. Moreover, the extract eliminated cancer cells, causing damage to their cell membranes and inducing apoptosis. The cells most resistant to chlorella extract were EDC cells (low grade), while the best response to the treatment was noted in KLE cells (high grade). The performed study revealed the chemopreventive properties of <i>C. pyrenoidosa</i> extract based on inhibition of endometrial cancer cell viability, proliferation and migratory capacity, as well as induction of cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Collected data suggested enhancement of extract chemopreventive properties with increasing advancement and malignancy of cancer cells. Obtained results encourage future clinical research and detailed chemical evaluation to specify the extract's phytochemical composition.