phloridzin docosahexaenoate

Phloridzin docosahexaenoate (PZ-DHA) is a novel acylated phytochemical derivative synthesized through the regioselective acylation of phloridzin (a dihydrochalcone found in apple peels) with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid). Developed by researchers at Dalhousie University and the IWK Health Centre, PZ-DHA is being investigated for its potent antiproliferative, apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, and antimetastatic properties against several cancer types, including triple-negative breast cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, and T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). PZ-DHA selectively induces cytotoxicity in cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Its mechanism of action involves arresting the cell cycle at the G2/M or S phase, inducing apoptosis via caspase activation, and suppressing the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by downregulating key proteins such as β-catenin, slug, ZEB1, vimentin, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Additionally, PZ-DHA inhibits angiogenesis by suppressing endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tubule formation, which is associated with the downregulation of the Akt/mTOR and STAT3 signaling pathways.

Other names

PZ-DHAphloridzin docosahexaenoate ester