Comparative Phytochemical Characterization, Genetic Profile, and Antiproliferative Activity of Polyphenol-Rich Extracts from Pigmented Tubers of Different <i>Solanum tuberosum</i> Varieties
Luigi De Masi,
Paola Bontempo,
Daniela Rigano,
Paola Stiuso,
Vincenzo Carafa,
Angela Nebbioso,
Sonia Piacente,
Paola Montoro,
Riccardo Aversano,
Vincenzo D’Amelia,
Domenico Carputo,
Lucia Altucci
Affiliations
Luigi De Masi
National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (IBBR), Via Università 133, 80055 Portici (Naples), Italy
Paola Bontempo
Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
Daniela Rigano
Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
Paola Stiuso
Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
Vincenzo Carafa
Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
Angela Nebbioso
Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
Sonia Piacente
Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (Salerno), Italy
Paola Montoro
Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (Salerno), Italy
Riccardo Aversano
Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici (Naples), Italy
Vincenzo D’Amelia
Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici (Naples), Italy
Domenico Carputo
Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici (Naples), Italy
Lucia Altucci
Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
Plants produce a vast array of biomolecules with beneficial effects for human health. In this study, polyphenol and anthocyanin-rich extracts (PAE) from pigmented tubers of Solanum tuberosum L. varieties “Blue Star”, “Magenta Love”, and “Double Fun” in comparison with the more extensively studied “Vitelotte” were evaluated and compared for antiproliferative effects in human leukemia cells, and their phytochemical and genetic profiles were determined. In U937 cells, upon treatment with PAE, it was possible to reveal the expression of specific apoptotic players, such as caspase 8, 9, 3, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), as well as the induction of monocyte and granulocyte differentiation. A liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) investigation revealed the presence of polyphenolic compounds in all the varieties of potatoes analyzed, among which caffeoyl and feruloyl quinic acid derivatives were the most abundant, as well as several acylated anthocyanins. Each pigmented variety was genotyped by DNA-based molecular markers, and flavonoid-related transcription factors were profiled in tubers in order to better characterize these outstanding resources and contribute to their exploitation in breeding. Interesting biological activities were observed for “Blue Star” and “Vitelotte” varieties with respect to the minor or no effect of the “Double Fun” variety.
