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Effect of delta-elemene on Hela cell lines by apoptosis induction
Xi-Sha Wang1, Wei Yang, Shu-Juan Tao
1Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning Province, China, and Department of Paediatric, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Yakugaku Zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan
|October 4, 2006
Summary
Delta-elemene effectively induces apoptosis in Hela cells, demonstrating significant antiproliferative effects. This process involves DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and caspase pathway activation, with reactive oxygen species playing a potential role.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Delta-elemene is a compound with potential anti-cancer properties.
- Understanding its mechanism of action on cancer cells is crucial for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the apoptosis-inducing activity of delta-elemene on Hela cells in vitro.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying delta-elemene-induced Hela cell death.
Main Methods:
- MTT assay for proliferation assessment.
- Hoechst 33258/PI staining and flow cytometry (Annexin V, JC-1) for apoptosis quantification.
- DNA fragmentation ELISA.
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection using CM-H2DCFDA.
- Western blot analysis for caspase-3 and PARP activation.
Main Results:
- Delta-elemene exhibited dose- and time-dependent antiproliferative effects on Hela cells, with minimal impact on normal WRL-68 cells.
- Apoptosis induction was confirmed by DNA fragmentation, Annexin V positivity, and mitochondrial membrane potential disruption.
- Western blot analysis revealed activation of the caspase-3 pathway and PARP cleavage.
- The pro-apoptotic effects were partially reversed by L-Glutathione (GSH) or z-DEVD-fmk, suggesting a role for ROS.
Conclusions:
- Delta-elemene induces apoptosis in Hela cells through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, involving caspase activation and mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Reactive oxygen species generation is implicated in the mechanism of delta-elemene-induced apoptosis.
- Delta-elemene shows selective toxicity towards Hela cells, indicating therapeutic potential.