Induction of apoptosis by grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Investigating the Anticancer Effects of Pleurotus ostreatus Polysaccharide on G0/G1 Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Cells

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Despite the advancement of cancer treatment by various means including surgery, chemotherapy etc, cancer is still a challenging disease to manage. This study was undertaken to investigate extraction, purification, structural elucidation, and the potential anti-cancer effects of Pleurotus ostreatus polysaccharide (POP). The anti-cancer activities were performed on the Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Cell Line. The results demonstrated that the MW of POP was154649.8 Da with homopolysaccharide composed of D-glucose units, featuring (1→6)-α-D-Glcp backbone with O-6 branches and T-α-D-Glcp terminations. and the yield was 6.27 %. The antitumor activity assessment demonstrated significant cytotoxicity of POP against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cells, with an IC50 of 121.801 μg mL, supported by LDH release analysis. POP inhibited cell migration, invasion, and colony formation, indicating its potential as an anti-cancer agent. POP elicited the apoptotic activity with the upregulation of Caspase-9 and Bax, and downregulation of Bcl-2. The DNA fragmentation assay further confirmed apoptosis-mediated DNA degradations. Additionally, POP-induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, by altering the expression of p53, Cyclin D, and Cdk4 proteins. So, Pleurotus ostreatus polysaccharide (POP) showed significant cytotoxicity on Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma cells, indicating potential as an anti-cancer agent.

In Vitro Evaluation of Biological and Anticancer Activities Exhibited by Five Varieties of Vitis vinifera L

Vitis vinifera commonly known as grapevine is one of the most important fruit crops worldwide. Its cultivation started more than 7000 years ago in the Near East, and over the millennia was followed by the development of thousands of cultivars that were further selected and characterized for specific purposes. Its important pharmacological value and its richness in phytoconstituents were the triggers to perform this project. Seven extracts were prepared from five different V. vinifera varieties (V. vinifera 'Black Pearl' (BP), V. vinifera 'Red Glob' (RG), V. vinifera 'Crimson' (CR), V. vinifera 'Beitamouni' (BE) and V. vinifera 'Superior' (SU)) by separating the pulp from the seeds, followed by methanolic extraction. The phytochemical analysis showed that red colored grapes (RE, BP and CR), the seeds from V. vinifera 'Black Pearl' and V. vinifera 'Red Globe' contain higher amounts of primary and secondary metabolites such as polyphenols, anthocyanins and reducing sugars. In addition to their richness in phytoconstituents, these varieties/seeds possess an important antioxidant activity. The results of the cell viability assays showed that the red varieties have a potential anticancer activity against Capan-2 pancreatic cancer and MDA-MB231(TNBC) breast cancer cell lines, with the greatest promise when combined with the seeds.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Proliferative Properties of Stachys circinata on HepG2 and MCF7 Cells

According to the WHO, the overall age-standardized cancer rate keeps declining, and the number of cases diagnosed each year increases, remaining among the leading causes of death in 91 out of 172 recorded countries. In this context, novel cancer prediction and therapeutic protocols are compulsory. The effect of a Stachys circinata L'Hér dichloromethane extract (ScDME) on cell redox homeostasis and tumor proliferation was investigated. HepG2 cell feedback mechanisms to oxidative stress exposure were evaluated by determining catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH), following the supply with ScDME (0.0-5.7 µg/µL). Cytotoxicity of ScDME against the human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) and two human cancer cell lines (breast: MCF7; liver: HepG2) was evaluated by the MTT assay. H₂O₂-stressed HepG2 cells supplied with the S. circinata extracts exhibited significantly increased CAT and GSH activity as compared to unsupplied ones. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was evaluated by real time-qPCR on IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α expression. As a result, this research points out that S. circinata dichloromethane extract owns anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties against MCF7 and HepG2 cells and activates CAT and GSH of the HepG2 cells' antioxidant enzyme system.

Design of an Herbal Preparation Composed by a Combination of Ruscus aculeatus L. and Vitis vinifera L. Extracts, Magnolol and Diosmetin to Address Chronic Venous Diseases through an Anti-Inflammatory Effect and AP-1 Modulation

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is an often underestimated inflammatory pathological condition that can have a serious impact on quality of life. Many therapies have been proposed to deal with CVD, but unfortunately the symptoms recur with increasing frequency and intensity as soon as treatments are stopped. Previous studies have shown that the common inflammatory transcription factor AP-1 (activator protein-1) and nuclear factor kappa-activated B-cell light chain enhancer (NF-kB) play key roles in the initiation and progression of this vascular dysfunction. The aim of this research was to develop a herbal product that acts simultaneously on different aspects of CVD-related inflammation. Based on the evidence that several natural components of plant origin are used to treat venous insufficiency and that magnolol has been suggested as a putative modulator of AP-1, two herbal preparations based on Ruscus aculeatus root extracts, and Vitis vinifera seed extracts, as well as diosmetin and magnolol, were established. A preliminary MTT-based evaluation of the possible cytotoxic effects of these preparations led to the selection of one of them, named DMRV-2, for further investigation. First, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of DMRV-2 was demonstrated by monitoring its ability to reduce cytokine secretion from endothelial cells subjected to LPS-induced inflammation. Furthermore, using a real-time PCR-based protocol, the effect of DMRV-2 on AP-1 expression and activity was also evaluated; the results obtained demonstrated that the incubation of the endothelial cells with this preparation almost completely nullified the effects exerted by the treatment with LPS on AP-1. Similar results were also obtained for NF-kB, whose activation was evaluated by monitoring its distribution between the cytosol and the nucleus of endothelial cells after the different treatments.

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract inhibits DNA and protein damage and labile iron, enzyme, and cancer cell activities

Grape seed extract from (Vitis vinifera) (VGSE) is an excellent source of various polyphenols that exhibit highly potent antioxidant and disease prevention properties. Although numerous biological activities, with potential for improving human health, have been reported for VGSE, there is a lack of data relating to the health benefits of VGSE on DNA damage, protein damage, labile iron activity, and enzyme inhibitory effects. This investigation demonstrated, for the first time, that VGSE inhibits DNA and BSA damage and labile iron activity in-vitro. Moreover, VGSE also inhibited in-vitro activities of AChE, tyrosinase, and α-amylase. VGSE treatment significantly reduced viability of MCF-7, Hep-G2, Caco-2, and Huh-7 cells after 48-h treatments. The results obtained provide additional support for the purported health benefits of VGSE and reinforce its potential in disease prevention and therapy, especially in relation to cancer.

Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Effects of Phoenix dactylifera L. (Ajwa Date Extract) on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Line

Aim

The aim of the current study is to investigate the antioxidant and apoptotic potential of Ajwa date flesh (ADF) and Ajwa date pit (ADP) extract on human squamous cell carcinoma cell line (HSC-2).

Method

ADF and ADP were extracted with a solvent extraction method using hexane, acetone, and ethanol, which were then subjected to antioxidant assay by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). HSC-2 cells were then treated with different concentrations of ADF and ADP extract for 24, 48, and 72 hours. MTT assay was performed to assess the antiproliferative effect, and Annexin V-FITC was used for the detection of cellular apoptosis.

Results

Acetone extracts of ADF and ADP had the highest radical scavenging and antioxidant activities followed by the ethanolic extracts, whereas ADP appeared to have significantly higher antioxidant effects than ADF. MTT assay demonstrated that acetone extracts of ADF and ADP were significantly cytotoxic against HSC-2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ADF was found to be 8.69 mg/ml at 24 h, and the maximum cell growth inhibition was observed at 50 mg/ml. The IC50 for the ADP was found to be 0.97 mg/ml at 24 h, and the maximum cell growth inhibition was observed at 5 mg/ml. Statistical analysis of the flow cytometry assay showed that the treatment with ADF and ADP extracts had a significant apoptotic effect which occurred in a dose-dependent manner. HSC-2 cells were seen in the late apoptotic stage with higher doses of ADF and ADP extract. ADP extract demonstrated higher apoptotic activity than ADF extract. In addition, combined treatment of ADF and ADP was also performed on HSC-2 cells which demonstrated higher apoptotic activity when compared to the single extract.

Conclusion

Ajwa date fruit has a promising cytotoxic effect by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of OSCC cells and inducing cell death by apoptosis.

Anti-Cancer Effects of Traditional Medicinal Herbs on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUNDS

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is among the most frequent oral cancers in individuals under 40. Documents have endorsed that a diet enriched with fruit and vegetables can banish the risk of developing major cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of four medicinal herbs including saffron, ginger, cinnamon and curcumin on OSCC cell line.

METHODS

Having obtained the aqueous extract of the four herbs, they were administered on OSCC cell lines per se and in dual, triple, and quadruple combinations. Their effects were measured in different concentrations and in 24 and 48 hours by using MTT assay.

RESULTS

The minimum and maximum effective concentrations were respectively 108 and 217 mg/ml for curcumin with IC30 of 77mg/ml, 108 and 270 mg/ml for ginger with IC30 of 58 mg/ml, 2 and 10 mg/ml for saffron with IC30 of 1.9 mg/ml, and 5 and 40 mg/ml for cinnamon with IC30 of 3.3 mg/ml. The best effect of the combinations was seen for cinnamon-saffron after both 24 and 48 hours and the four herbs combination after 48 hours.

CONCLUSION

Although all the four herbs were effective on OSCC cell line, the strongest extract was saffron, followed by cinnamon. Combination of cinnamon-saffron and combination of the four herbs showed maximum effects. These findings suggest that traditional medicinal herbs may potentially contribute to oral cancer treatment; providing new windows for the development of new therapeutic strategies for OSCC.

Total Phenols from Grape Leaves Counteract Cell Proliferation and Modulate Apoptosis-Related Gene Expression in MCF-7 and HepG2 Human Cancer Cell Lines

Grape leaves influence several biological activities in the cardiovascular system, acting as antioxidants. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the effect of ethanolic and water extracts from grape leaves grown in Algeria, obtained by accelerator solvent extraction (ASE), on cell proliferation. The amount of total phenols was determined using the modified Folin-Ciocalteu method, antioxidant activities were evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH*) method and ^·OH radical scavenging using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy methods. Cell proliferation of HepG2 hepatocarcinoma, MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and vein human umbilical (HUVEC) cells, as control for normal cell growth, was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction assay (MTT). Apoptosis- related genes were determined by measuring Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA expression levels. Accelerator solvent extractor yield did not show significant difference between the two solvents (ethanol and water) (p > 0.05). Total phenolic content of water and ethanolic extracts was 55.41 ± 0.11 and 155.73 ± 1.20 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g of dry weight, respectively. Ethanolic extracts showed larger amounts of total phenols as compared to water extracts and interesting antioxidant activity. HepG2 and MCF-7 cell proliferation decreased with increasing concentration of extracts (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/mL) added to the culture during a period of 1⁻72 h. In addition, the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene Bax was increased and that of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 was decreased in a dose-dependent manner, when both MCF-7 and HepG2 cells were cultured with one of the two extracts for 72 h. None of the extracts elicited toxic effects on vein umbilical HUVEC cells, highlighting the high specificity of the antiproliferative effect, targeting only cancer cells. Finally, our results suggested that ASE crude extract from grape leaves represents a source of bioactive compounds such as phenols, with potential antioxidants activity, disclosing a novel antiproliferative effect affecting only HepG2 and MCF-7 tumor cells.

Evaluation of the chemopreventive effects of Ankaferd Bloodstopper in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced oral epithelial dysplasia

OBJECTIVES

Ankaferd BloodStopper® (ABS) is an herbal extract which has been used historically as a hemostatic agent in traditional Turkish medicine. ABS comprises of standardized mixture of herbs Thymus vulgaris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis vinifera, Alpinia officinarum, and Urtica dioica. In addition to its hemostatic effects, the herb ABS contains some other biological effects including antioxidant and antitumoral properties. The aim of this study is to investigate the chemopreventive effects of ABS in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced oral epithelial dysplasia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 40 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 animals received DMBA alone, and group 2 animals received both DMBA and Ankaferd. Group 3 animals received ABS alone while group 4 animals served as control group and received only liquid paraffine. All animals were sacrificed, and tissue samples were analyzed histologically at the end of the experimental period (14 weeks).

RESULTS

Histological studies have shown that the buccal pouches of animals treated with DMBA alone revealed severe dysplasia while only mild or no dysplasia were noticed in DMBA + ABS group. Ankaferd were administered to animals and control group showed no dysplasia or other oral lesions.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that Ankaferd Bloodstopper® has chemopreventive effect against DMBA-induced oral epithelial dysplasia.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Ankaferd Bloodstopper® could be used as a supportive treatment option of cancer in oral and maxillofacial surgery since it possesses chemopreventive effect.

Cytotoxic effect of methanolic extract, alkaloid and terpenoid fractions of Stachys pilifera against HT-29 cell line

Stachys pilifera (S. pilifera) Benth (Lamiaceae) is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseases. Despite some reports on the antitumor effects of some species of this genus, anticancer activity of S. pilifera has not been yet reported. Here, we examined the cytotoxic effect and cell death mechanisms of methanolic extract of S. pilifera and its alkaloid and terpenoid fractions on the HT-29 colorectal cell line. HT-29 cells were cultivated and then incubated in the methanolic extract of S. pilifera and its fractions at various concentrations for 24 h. Cell viability was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Morphology of cells was evaluated by contrast microscopy. Furthermore, effects of the tested extract and fractions were tested on some regulators of cell death and proliferation such as caspase-8, caspase-9, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and nitric oxide (NO). Cisplatin was used as positive control. The estimated IC₅₀ values of the methanolic extract, alkaloid and terpenoid fractions, and cisplatin against HT29 cell after 24 h were determined to be 612, 48.12, 46.44, and 4.02 μg/mL, respectively. Morphological changes such as plasma membrane blebbing, cell size reduction, and apoptotic bodies were observed in cells faced with the extract and fractions. S. pilifera extract and its fractions induced apoptosis through inhibition of NF-κB, NO, and activation of caspase-8 and caspase-9. Data showed considerable cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of S. plifera on colorectal cell line through induction of apoptosis. These findings provide a basis for the therapeutic potential of S. pilfera in the treatment of colon cancer.

Grape seed proanthocyanidins inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells through suppressing the protein kinase B/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is the most common oral squamous cell carcinoma. Despite significant advances in combined therapies, the 5-year survival rate of patients with TSCC has not notably improved; this is due to regional recurrences and lymph node metastasis. Grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) are consumed as dietary supplements worldwide and possess anticancer activity against several different types of cancer. However, their effect on TSCC and the underlying mechanisms by which they function remain unclear. In the present study, it was identified that GSPs significantly inhibited the viability and induced the apoptosis of Tca8113 cells in a dose-dependent manner. This was associated with a significantly increased expression of the pro-apoptosis regulator BAX protein and a significantly decreased expression of the anti-apoptosis regulator Bcl-2 protein at 100 µg/ml GSPs. In addition, at non-toxic concentrations GSPs significantly inhibited the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 from Tca8113 cells, as well as their migration and invasion. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that GSPs significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) and IκB kinase, as well as the translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) into the nucleus of Tca8113 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that GSPs inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of Tca8113 cells through suppression of the Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. This indicates that GSPs may be developed as a novel potential chemopreventive agent against TSCC.

Role of traditional Islamic and Arabic plants in cancer therapy

ETHNO PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This review article underlines individual Traditional Islamic and Arabic plant (TAI) and their role in treating cancer. The aim of the study is to specifically evaluate the progress of herbs, Arabic and Islamic traditional herbs in particular, applied in cancer treatment, so far.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Islamic and Arabic plants were selected and identified through different literature survey using "Google scholar", "Web of science", "Scopus" and "PubMed". Each plant, from identified Arabic and Islamic plants list, was search individually for the most cited articles in the aforementioned databases using the keywords, "Anticancer", "Uses in cancer treatment", "Ethno pharmacological importance in cancer" etc.

RESULTS

The current review about Islamic and Arabic plants illuminates the importance of Islamic and Arabic plants and their impact in treating cancer. There is a long list of Islamic and Arabic plants used in cancer as mentioned in review with enormous amount of literature. Each plant has been investigated for its anticancer potential. The literature survey as mentioned in table shows; these plants are widely utilized in cancer as a whole, a part thereof or in the form of isolated chemical constituent.

CONCLUSIONS

This review strongly supports the fact; Arabic and Islamic traditional plants have emerged as a good source of complementary and alternative medicine in treating cancer. Traditional Arab-Islamic herbal-based medicines might be promising for new cancer therapeutics with low toxicity and minimal side effects. The plants used are mostly in crude form and still needs advance research for the isolation of phytochemicals and establishing its cellular and molecular role in treating cancer.

Acacia catechu ethanolic bark extract induces apoptosis in human oral squamous carcinoma cells

Oral cancer is in approximately 30% of all cancers in India. This study was conducted to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of ethanolic extract of Acacia catechu bark (ACB) against human squamous cell carcinoma cell line-25 (SCC-25). Cytotoxic effect of ACB extract was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium Bromide assay. A. catechu extract was treated SCC-25 cells with 25 and 50 μg/mL for 24 h. Apoptosis markers such as caspases-8 and 9, bcl-2, bax, and cytochrome c (Cyt-c) were done by RT-PCR. Morphological changes of ACB treated cells were evaluated using acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) dual staining. Nuclear morphology and DNA fragmentation were evaluated using propidium iodide (PI) staining. Further, cell cycle analysis was performed using flow cytometry. A. catechu treatment caused cytotoxicity in SCC-25 cells with an IC₅₀ of 52.09 μg/mL. Apoptotic marker gene expressions were significantly increased on ACB treatment. Staining with AO/EB and PI shows membrane blebbing and nuclear membrane distortion, respectively, and it confirms the apoptosis induction in SCC-25 cells. These results suggest that ACB extract can be used as a modulating agent in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Review of the Pharmacological Effects of Vitis vinifera (Grape) and its Bioactive Constituents: An Update

Vitis vinifera fruit (grape) contains various phenolic compounds, flavonoids and stilbenes. In recent years, active constituents found in the fruits, seeds, stems, skin and pomaces of grapes have been identified and some have been studied. In this review, we summarize the active constituents of different parts of V. vinifera and their pharmacological effects including skin protection, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, antiinflammatory and antidiabetic activities, as well as hepatoprotective, cardioprotective and neuroprotective effects in experimental studies published after our 2009 review. Clinical and toxicity studies have also been examined. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Vitis vinifera seeds extract for the modulation of cytosolic factors BAX-α and NF-kB involved in UVB-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis of human skin cells

Background and aims

The depletion of the ozone layer allows overexposure of the skin to UV radiation, which is prolonged due to the increasing life expectancy, together with inappropriate life habits contribute to the increasing incidence of cutaneous malignancies. Plant extracts with antioxidant capacities are frequently employed as a means to protect skin against ultraviolet (UV) radiations, thus preventing skin cancers. In the present study we assessed a red grape seed extract (GSE) potential capacities to reduce ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent apoptosis in a human keratinocytes cell line (HaCaT). We identified molecules and pathways modulated by the GSE through which this may exert its photoprotective effect.

Methods

The GSE was standardized according to its polyphenolic content and the most important biologically active compounds, such as epigallocatechin and epicatechin, catechin hydrate, procyanidin B and gallic acid were evidenced by high-performance liquid chromatography. According to the plant extract cytotoxicity on the HaCaT cell line, two concentrations were selected for testing from the non-toxic range: GSE₁ (37.5 μgEqGA/ml) and GSE₂ (75 μgEqGA/ml). The level of ROS was evaluated with CM-H₂DCFDA assay, while apoptosis, Bax-α and NF-kβ p65 proteins with ELISA and confirmed by western-blot.

Results

Both concentrations of the extract decreased the level of ROS in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes (p<0.001), whereas apoptosis and Bax-α pro-apoptotic protein were only reduced by the higher concentration (GSE₂). The NF-kB p65 protein level registered increasing values in time after UVB exposure of the cells, while the tested plant extract re-established its level when its smaller concentration was used (GSE₁).

Conclusion

These results encourage further studies on this extract in order to identify other molecules and pathways through which this extract might exert its beneficial effects and also recommend its use as a potential photoprotective agent.

The antioxidant and chemical properties of Berberis vulgaris and its cytotoxic effect on human breast carcinoma cells

In this study we evaluated the biological activity of alcoholic and aqueous extracts from the fruit of Berberis vulgaris. The total antioxidant capacity of Berberis was characterized by FRAP, DPPH, Folin-Ciocalteu while the anthocyanins content was measured by pH differential method. Cell viability and apoptotic property were determined by MTT and DNA fragmentation assays, respectively. Alcoholic extract of Berberis was richer in antioxidants and anthocyanins compared to aqueous extract. Although both extracts significantly inhibited proliferation of breast cancer cells (MCF-7); these changes were not observed in normal human breast epithelial cells (MCF10-A). The alcoholic extract was more effective in inducing apoptosis as detected by DNA fragmentation in treated cancer cells. Our results suggest that Berberis has potent antioxidant properties and cytotoxic effects that can induce apoptosis. Therefore, Berberis can potentially be exploited for the development of therapeutics to fight against human breast cancer.

Concentration effects of grape seed extracts in anti-oral cancer cells involving differential apoptosis, oxidative stress, and DNA damage

BACKGROUND

Grape seeds extract (GSE) is a famous health food supplement for its antioxidant property. Different concentrations of GSE may have different impacts on cellular oxidative/reduction homeostasis. Antiproliferative effect of GSE has been reported in many cancers but rarely in oral cancer.

METHODS

The aim of this study is to examine the antioral cancer effects of different concentrations of GSE in terms of cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial function, and DNA damage.

RESULTS

High concentrations (50-400 μg/ml) of GSE dose-responsively inhibited proliferation of oral cancer Ca9-22 cells but low concentrations (1-10 μg/ml) of GSE showed a mild effect in a MTS assay. For apoptosis analyses, subG1 population and annexin V intensity in high concentrations of GSE-treated Ca9-22 cells was increased but less so at low concentrations. ROS generation and mitochondrial depolarization increased dose-responsively at high concentrations but showed minor changes at low concentrations of GSE in Ca9-22 cells. Additionally, high concentrations of GSE dose-responsively induced more γH2AX-based DNA damage than low concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Differential concentrations of GSE may have a differentially antiproliferative function against oral cancer cells via differential apoptosis, oxidative stress and DNA damage.

Dichloromethane fractions of Scrophularia oxysepala extract induce apoptosis in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

Breast cancer is a prevalent malignancy among women, especially in developing countries. A large number of anticancer agents with herbal origins have been reported. Hence, herbals may play an essential role in prevention and treatment of cancers. We investigated cytotoxic effects of dichloromethane fractions of Scrophularia oxysepala extract on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. The cytotoxic activity of Scrophularia oxysepala fractions on the MCF-7 cells was assessed using Trypan Blue dye exclusion and MTT (3-(4, 5-dimetylthiazol-2-yl) -2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays. In addition, apoptosis induction was determined using TUNEL (terminal deoxy transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick- end labeling) assay and DNA fragmentation analysis. Quantitative Real-Time PCR was also used for analyzing the changes in Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bcl-2 genes' expression. Results revealed an effective inhibition of growth and viability in MCF-7 cells treated with dichloromethane fractions. Cell death assay and DNA fragmentation analysis using the TUNEL test confirmed the induction of apoptosis in the MCF-7 cell line. Further, the fractions have resulted in an increased expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 mRNA, which highlights the possibility of apoptosis in the treatments. The expression study of Caspase-9 mRNA confirmed that, the fractions have triggered apoptosis via intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. In summary, fractions of Scrophularia oxysepala extract were found to be promising in growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.