The Effect of G. applanatum Crude Polysaccharide Extract on Proinflammatory Cytokines and Proapoptotic Caspases in HeLa Cell Line: An In Vitro Study

Polysaccharide extracts exhibit promise as potential anticancer agents. Among the fungi rich in polysaccharide content, G. applanatum stands out; however, its anticancer activity necessitates further investigation. This study aims to explore the impact of G. applanatum crude polysaccharide (GACP) extract by assessing its effects on cell viability, levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12, and levels of proapoptotic markers including caspase-3 and caspase-9, as well as the percentages of necrosis and apoptosis in the HeLa cell line. Employing the HeLa cell line as a research model, four groups were studied: KN (media and DMSO), K+ (doxorubicin 10 μg/mL), P1 (G. applanatum extract 200 μg/mL), and P2 (G. applanatum extract 400 μg/mL). The G. applanatum extract was obtained via boiling distilled water. Anticancer activity was evaluated through the MTT test (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) conducted over three treatment durations (24, 48, and 72 hours). Cytokine levels and caspase-3 and caspase-9 levels were assessed using the ELISA test. Cell apoptosis was determined using the Annexin V-PI biomarker and analyzed through flow cytometry. The MTT test exhibited optimal results at the 48-hour treatment mark. Cytokine level analysis revealed significant reductions in TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12 levels (p < 0.005). Concurrently, caspase-3 and caspase-9 levels exhibited substantial increases (p < 0.005). Flow cytometry highlighted the highest percentage of apoptosis in HeLa cells. In conclusion, G. applanatum's polysaccharide extract demonstrates potential as an anticancer and therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.

Gynura procumbens Adventitious Root Extract Altered Expression of Antioxidant Genes and Exert Hepatoprotective Effects Against Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress in Mice

Exposure to cadmium (Cd) could increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and changes in  expression of antioxidant genes. Gynura procumbens is a medicinal plant that is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The aimed of study to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of G. procumbens adventitious root (GAR) extract against Cd toxicity, especially expression rate of hepatic antioxidant genes. Twenty-five male mice were treated as follows: P1 (control), P2 (Cd100mg/L), P3 (GAR100mg/L + Cd100mg/L), P4 (GAR200mg/L + Cd100mg/L), and P5 (GAR300mg/L + Cd100mg/L). The samples (blood and liver) were collected for analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, and their relative gene expression were determined. The hematological assay showed Cd-treated administered with GAR extract increased the number of red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), but reduced the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In addition, the GAR extract decreased the MDA production, but increased the activities of SOD and CAT. These enzymatic activities were positively correlated with their respective gene transcripts. Our study revealed that GAR extract administration showed marked hepatoprotective effects against Cd-induced oxidative stress.