Phenolic Extract of Seagrass, Halophila ovalis Activates Intrinsic Pathway of Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer (MCF-7) Cells

In-vitro study of cytotoxic and apoptotic potential of Thalassia hemprichii (Ehren.) Asch. And Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle against human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) with correlation to their chemical profile

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women. Finding novel therapeutic agents with significant cytotoxic action and minimal adverse impact on normal cells becomes crucial. Today, natural anticancer agents present an unconventional method of treating cancer, either as a curative or preventative agent, with considerable concern for marine organisms.

METHODS

The anticancer effect of the alcoholic extract of different Red Sea Seagrasses on MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line has been investigated. Seagrasses were collected from Wadi El Gamal, Red Sea and extracted. Qualitative HPLC analysis was performed on the extracts for the identification of their active biomarkers. This study was aimed to explore the cytotoxic impact of Thalassia hemprichii (Ehren.) and Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle on MCF-7 and their mode of action. Their anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells were performed using Neutral red assay. On the other hand, their apoptotic effect and their capacity to induce cell cycle arrest were investigated by flow cytometry assay. The effect of Seagrasses on the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔψM) was studied by using JC-1 mitochondrial membrane potential assay kit in Seagrasses treated cancer cells to Δψ Caspases 3/7activity was examined using the colorimetric method. Gene expression analysis and quantitative real time RT-PCR for the sea grasses on MCF-7 was performed. Immune-blotting technique for Bcl-2 and p53 was investigated.

RESULTS

HPLC analysis demonstrated that the extracts contained mainly flavonoids and polyphenols such as Caffeic acid, Chlorogenic acids, catechin and kaempferol that might be responsible for these anticancer effects. Seagrasses alcoholic crude extract markedly suppressed the growth and expansion of MCF-7 cells concentration-dependently with no toxicity against normal human skin fibroblast HSF. Thalassia hemprichii and Enhalus acoroides trigger mode of cell death primarily via apoptosis as confirmed by the flow cytometry. Additionally, they have ability to induce G0/S cell cycle arrest in MCF-7. The data showed the depletion in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔψM) in the treated cells dose-dependently Caspases 3/7activities markedly increased following 24 h treatment. Finally, Gene expression analysis showed a marked reduction in Bcl-2, Survivin and CDC2 gene expression levels and a significant increase in the expression of p53 and CC2D1A as compared to control cells.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the Methanolic extract of seagrass, Thalassia hemperchii and Enhalus ocoroides are able to induce concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects in human MCF-7 cells through intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. This study reveals the beneficial importance of sea grasses as a source of anticancer agents. Further in vivo study is recommended for the active isolated biomolecules.

The Antioxidant Potential and Anticancer Activity of Halodule uninervis Ethanolic Extract against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Natural remedies have been indispensable to traditional medicine practices for generations, offering therapeutic solutions for various ailments. In modern times, these natural products continue to play a pivotal role in the discovery of new drugs, especially for cancer treatment. The marine ecosystem offers a wide range of plants with potential anticancer activities due to their distinct biochemical diversity and adaptation to extreme situations. The seagrass Halodule uninervis is rich in diverse bioactive metabolites that bestow the plant with various pharmacological properties. However, its anticancer activity against invasive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is still poorly investigated. In the present study, the phytochemical composition of an ethanolic extract of H. uninervis (HUE) was screened, and its antioxidant potential was evaluated. Moreover, the anticancer potential of HUE against MDA-MB-231 cells was investigated along with the possible underlying mechanisms of action. Our results showed that HUE is rich in diverse phytochemicals that are known for their antioxidant and anticancer effects. In MDA-MB-231 cells, HUE targeted the hallmarks of cancer, including cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. The HUE-mediated anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects were associated with the downregulation of the proto-oncogenic STAT3 signaling pathway. Taken together, H. uninervis could serve as a valuable source for developing novel drugs targeting TNBC.

Gallic Acid Induces S and G2 Phase Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Ovarian Cancer Cells In Vitro

Ovarian cancer (OC) is among the top gynecologic cancers in the US with a death tally of 13,940 in the past year alone. Gallic acid (GA) is a natural compound with pharmacological benefits. In this research, the role of GA on cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell cycle-related protein expression was explored in OC cell lines OVCAR-3 and A2780/CP70. After 24,48 and 72 h of GA treatment, the IC50 values in OVCAR-3 cells were 22.14 ± 0.45, 20.36 ± 0.18, 15.13 ± 0.53 μM, respectively and in A2780/CP70 cells IC50 values were 33.53 ± 2.64, 27.18 ± 0.22, 22.81 ± 0.56, respectively. Hoechst 33,342 DNA staining and flow cytometry results showed 20 μM GA exposure could significantly accelerate apoptosis in both OC cell lines and the total apoptotic rate increased from 5.34%(control) to 21.42% in OVCAR-3 cells and from 8.01%(control) to 17.69% in A2780/CP70 cells. Western blot analysis revealed that GA stimulated programmed OC cell death via a p53-dependent intrinsic signaling. In addition, GA arrested cell cycle at the S or G2 phase via p53-p21-Cdc2-cyclin B pathway in the same cells. In conclusion, we provide some evidence of the efficacy of GA in ovarian cancer prevention and therapy.