Punicalin Modulates Angiogenesis and Tumor Microenvironment-Related Processes in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Endothelial Cells

The tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in cancer progression, with oxidative stress, autophagy, angiogenesis, and cell migration acting as tightly interconnected processes. Natural bioactive compounds have emerged as promising modulators of these pathways; however, their cell type-specific effects within the TME remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigate the effects of punicalin on triple-negative breast cancer and endothelial cells, with a focus on redox homeostasis and autophagy as upstream regulatory mechanisms. Punicalin reduced oxidative stress in MDA-MB-231 cells under basal conditions and strongly attenuated hydrogen peroxide-induced stress, whereas HMEC-1 cells exhibited concentration- and condition-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulation. Autophagy assays revealed no significant modulation in tumor cells, while a consistent and pronounced decrease in autophagic activity was observed in endothelial cells under both basal and nutrient-deprivation conditions. Functionally, punicalin decreased tumor cell migration and impaired HMEC-1 migration, while HUVEC migration remained largely unaffected. Tube formation assays demonstrated significant inhibition of angiogenic capacity. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that punicalin selectively modulates oxidative stress and autophagy, leading to functional alterations in migration and angiogenesis. By highlighting its selective impact on microvascular endothelial cells while sparing normal endothelium, this study provides a strong rationale for further preclinical evaluation of punicalin.