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Triterpenoids from Glycine max decrease invasiveness and induce caspase-mediated cell death in human SNB19 glioma
Niranjan Yanamandra1, Mark A Berhow, Santhi Konduri
1Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Biomedical and Therapeutic Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois 61605, USA.
Abstract:
In recent years there has been an increasing interest in compounds present in foods that may prevent or slow the progression of chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and cancer. Saponins have been reported to have important time-dependent anti-cancer properties. We have used a highly purified and characterized saponin fraction containing the soyasapogenol B glycosides (the 'B group' saponins) from soybeans (Glycine max L.) to demonstrate a reduction in SNB 19 human glioblastoma cell invasion (45% decrease compared to untreated cells) in vitro in a Matrigel invasion assay. We have also demonstrated that triterpenoid saponin induces apopotosis and affects mictochondiral function. Dose-dependent loss of mitochondrial trans-membrane potential in SNB 19 cells occurred with treatment, along with release of cytochrome c, processing of caspase-9, and -3 and specific cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), a substrate of caspase-3. The results suggest that the saponin fraction induces apoptosis in SNB19 human glioblastoma cells by stimulating cytochrome-c release and subsequent activation of a caspase cascade. Our observations clearly demonstrate the pro-apoptotic and anti-invasive activities of the soyasapogenol B glycosides from soybeans.
Insights
Soybean saponins, specifically soyasapogenol B glycosides, show significant anti-cancer effects. These compounds reduce human glioblastoma cell invasion and induce apoptosis by activating key cellular death pathways.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Growing interest in dietary compounds for chronic disease prevention.
- Saponins are recognized for their time-dependent anti-cancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-invasive and pro-apoptotic effects of a purified soyasapogenol B glycoside fraction from soybeans.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects in human glioblastoma cells.
Main Methods:
- In vitro Matrigel invasion assay using SNB 19 human glioblastoma cells.
- Assessment of mitochondrial function, including membrane potential and cytochrome c release.
- Analysis of caspase activation (caspase-9, caspase-3) and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage.
Main Results:
- A 45% reduction in SNB 19 cell invasion was observed with the saponin fraction.
- Triterpenoid saponin treatment induced dose-dependent loss of mitochondrial membrane potential.
- Evidence of apoptosis induction through cytochrome c release and caspase cascade activation.
Conclusions:
- Soyasapogenol B glycosides possess significant anti-invasive properties against human glioblastoma cells.
- These saponins effectively induce apoptosis in glioblastoma cells via the mitochondrial pathway and caspase activation.
- The findings highlight the potential of soybean-derived saponins as anti-cancer agents.