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Flavonoids purified from Rhus verniciflua Stokes actively inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis in human
Hyon-Seok Jang1, Sung-Ho Kook, Young-Ok Son
1Department of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, Korea University, Ansan 425-020, Korea.
Abstract:
Many studies have suggested that dietary flavonoids are anticancer agents that induce the apoptosis of cancer cells. However, the effects of flavonoids on the induction of apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells are unclear. Previously, a flavonoid fraction, consisting mainly of protocatechuic acid, fustin, fisetin, sulfuretin, and butein, herein named RCMF (the RVS chloroform-methanol fraction), was prepared from a crude acetone extract of Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS). This study evaluated the effects of RCMF on the proliferation and apoptosis using human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells. The mechanism of growth inhibition of the HOS cells by the flavonoid fraction, RCMF, was also assessed. The results demonstrated that RCMF exhibited sensitive growth inhibition and induced apoptosis in HOS cells. PARP cleavage was closely associated with the RCMF-induced apoptosis of the HOS cells. Furthermore, the activation of caspase 8 and Bax, the inhibition of Bcl-2 expression, and the release of cytochrome c are believed to be involved in the RCMF-mediated apoptosis. Collectively, these findings suggest that RCMF is an agent which may be capable of inducing sensitive growth inhibition and apoptosis in HOS cells.
Insights
This study shows that a Rhus verniciflua Stokes flavonoid fraction (RCMF) effectively inhibits the growth of human osteosarcoma cells. RCMF induces apoptosis by activating caspases and altering Bcl-2 family proteins, suggesting its potential as an anticancer agent.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Cancer Biology
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Dietary flavonoids are recognized for their anticancer properties, particularly their ability to induce apoptosis.
- The specific effects of flavonoids on osteosarcoma cell apoptosis remain incompletely understood.
- Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) yields a flavonoid-rich fraction (RCMF) with potential therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of RCMF on the proliferation and apoptosis of human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of RCMF-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in HOS cells.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of RCMF from Rhus verniciflua Stokes extract.
- Assessment of RCMF's impact on HOS cell proliferation and apoptosis.
- Analysis of key apoptosis-related proteins, including PARP, caspase 8, Bcl-2, Bax, and cytochrome c.
Main Results:
- RCMF significantly inhibited the proliferation of HOS cells.
- RCMF induced apoptosis in HOS cells, evidenced by PARP cleavage.
- RCMF-mediated apoptosis involved the activation of caspase 8 and Bax, downregulation of Bcl-2, and release of cytochrome c.
Conclusions:
- RCMF demonstrates potent growth inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects on human osteosarcoma cells.
- The findings suggest RCMF possesses anticancer potential against osteosarcoma through intrinsic apoptotic pathway activation.
