Antitumor activity and apoptosis induction in human cancer cell lines by Dionysia termeana
Zahra Amirghofran1, Masoud Bahmani, Abbas Azadmehr
1Immunology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran. amirghz@sums.ac.ir
Abstract:
Studies have demonstrated that plant extracts possess various biological effects including antitumor activity. In the present study, the antitumor activity of Dionysia termeana, a plant native to Iran, was investigated. Cytotoxic activity of the extract on tumor cell lines using MTT colorimetric assay was determined. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry and DNA fragmentation analysis on sensitive cell lines was then carried out. Results obtained indicated that the highest activity of D. termeana was against K562 leukemia cell line with IC50 less than 20 microg/mL. Fifty-five percent inhibition of Jurkat cells due to exposure to D. termeana was found at 200 microg/mL of the extract. A549, a lung carcinoma cell, and Fen bladder carcinoma cell line were less affected. In flow cytometry analysis, D. termeana induced apoptosis in the K562 and Jurkat cells. In DNA fragmentation analysis the extract produced ladder formation in both cells. In conclusion, these results indicated that the extract used in this study have antitumor activity through induction of apoptosis particularly in the leukemia cell lines.
Insights
The Iranian plant Dionysia termeana exhibits significant antitumor properties, particularly against leukemia cell lines. Its extract effectively induces apoptosis, offering a potential natural therapeutic agent.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Plant-derived compounds are recognized for their diverse biological activities, including anticancer effects.
- Dionysia termeana is an Iranian native plant with potential medicinal applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antitumor activity of the Dionysia termeana plant extract.
- To determine the cytotoxic effects and mechanism of action on various cancer cell lines.
Main Methods:
- Cytotoxic activity assessed using MTT assay on multiple tumor cell lines.
- Cell cycle progression analyzed via flow cytometry.
- DNA fragmentation assay performed to detect apoptosis.
Main Results:
- Dionysia termeana extract showed potent activity against K562 leukemia (IC50 < 20 microg/mL) and Jurkat cells (55% inhibition at 200 microg/mL).
- Lung (A549) and bladder (Fen) carcinoma cell lines were less sensitive.
- Flow cytometry and DNA fragmentation assays confirmed apoptosis induction in K562 and Jurkat cells.
Conclusions:
- Dionysia termeana extract possesses significant antitumor activity, especially against leukemia.
- The extract mechanism involves the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells.
