Seed oil of Brucea javanica induces apoptosis through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in acute lymphocytic leukemia Jurkat cells

A review of Brucea javanica: metabolites, pharmacology and clinical application

This review examines advances in the metabolites, pharmacological research, and therapeutic applications of the medicinal fruit of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. Brucea javanica (BJ) is derived from the fruit of the Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. There are nearly 200 metabolites present in BJ, and due to the diversity of its metabolites, BJ has a wide range of pharmacological effects. The traditional pharmacological effects of BJ include anti-dysentery, anti-malaria, etc. The research investigating the contemporary pharmacological impacts of BJ mainly focuses on its anti-tumor properties. In the article, the strong monomeric metabolites among these pharmacological effects were preliminarily screened. Regarding the pharmacological mechanism of action, current research has initially explored BJ's pharmacological agent and molecular signaling pathways. However, a comprehensive system has yet to be established. BJ preparations have been utilized in clinical settings and have demonstrated effectiveness. Nevertheless, clinical research is primarily limited to observational studies, and there is a need for higher-quality research evidence to support its clinical application. There are still many difficulties and obstacles in studying BJ. However, it is indisputable that BJ is a botanical drugs with significant potential for application, and it is expected to have broader global usage.

β-Estradiol Induces Mitochondrial Apoptosis in Cervical Cancer Through the Suppression of AKT/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is the fourth most prevalent gynecological cancer worldwide, which threatens women's health and causes cancer-related mortality. In the search for effective anticervical cancer drugs, we discovered that β-estradiol (E2), a patent drug for estrogen deficiency syndrome treatment, displays the most potent cytotoxicity against HeLa cells.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the growth inhibitory effect of β-estradiol on HeLa cells and explore its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

CCK-8 assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of 6 compounds against HeLa cells. Flow cytometric analysis and Hoechst 33258 staining assay were performed to detect cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. The collapse of the mitochondrial potential was observed by the JC-1 staining assay. The expression levels of proteins were examined by western blotting.

RESULTS

β-Estradiol, at high concentration, displays potent cytotoxicity against HeLa cells with an IC50 value of 18.71 ± 1.57 μM for 72 h treatment. β-Estradiol induces G2/M cell cycle arrest through downregulating Cyclin B1 and p-CDK1. In addition, β-estradiol-induced apoptosis is accompanied by the loss of mitochondrial potential, activation of the Caspase family, and altered Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. β-Estradiol markedly decreased the expression level of p-AKT and p-NF-κB.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that β-estradiol induces mitochondrial apoptosis in cervical cancer through the suppression of the AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway, indicating that β-estradiol may serve as a potential agent for cervical cancer treatment.