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Apoptotic effect of red wine polyphenols on human colon cancer SNU-C4 cells
1Department of Obesity Management, Graduate School of Obesity Science, Dongduk Women's University, Seoul 136-714, South Korea.
Abstract:
Polyphenols in fruits, soybean, vegetables, herbs, roots and leaves act as bioactive components related with prevention of cancer, heart diseases and diabetes. We investigated the apoptotic effects of polyphenols from red wine on human colon cancer cells SNU-C4 using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) expressions of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 genes, and Caspase-3 enzyme activity. Polyphenols (100 microg/ml) increased the apoptosis of SNU-C4 cells with apparent apoptotic characteristics including morphological changes of chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation from DAPI staining and TUNEL assay. Compared with untreated control group, polyphenols (100 microg/ml) reduced the expression of Bcl-2 whereas those of Bax and Caspase-3 were increased. The Caspase-3 activity in the polyphenols treated group was significantly increased compared to those in control group (P<0.05). These results suggest that polyphenols have a strong potential for development as an anti-colon cancer agent.
Insights
Polyphenols from red wine induce apoptosis in human colon cancer cells. These findings suggest polyphenols are a promising agent for developing anti-colon cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Polyphenols are bioactive compounds found in various plant sources, recognized for their potential health benefits, including disease prevention.
- Colon cancer remains a significant global health concern, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the apoptotic effects of red wine polyphenols on human colon cancer cells (SNU-C4).
- To evaluate the molecular mechanisms underlying polyphenol-induced apoptosis in colon cancer.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MTT assay for cell viability, DAPI staining and TUNEL assay for apoptosis morphology.
- Analyzed gene expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspase-3 using RT-PCR.
- Measured Caspase-3 enzyme activity.
Main Results:
- Polyphenols (100 microg/ml) significantly increased apoptosis in SNU-C4 cells, evidenced by chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation.
- Polyphenol treatment downregulated Bcl-2 expression while upregulating Bax and Caspase-3 expression.
- Significantly elevated Caspase-3 enzyme activity was observed in polyphenol-treated cells compared to controls (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Red wine polyphenols exhibit potent apoptotic effects on human colon cancer cells.
- The study highlights the potential of polyphenols as a therapeutic strategy for colon cancer treatment.