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Induction of apoptosis in HT-29 colon cancer cells by phloretin

So Young Park1, Eun Ji Kim, Hyun-Kyung Shin

  • 1Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea.

Journal of Medicinal Food
|December 27, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Phloretin from apples and pears induces apoptosis in human colon cancer cells. This natural compound inhibits cancer cell growth by activating caspase pathways and altering mitochondrial permeability.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Phloretin, a natural polyphenol found in apples and pears, exhibits anticancer properties.
  • Previous studies show phloretin inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in various cancer cell lines, including melanoma and leukemia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanism by which phloretin induces apoptosis in HT-29 human colon cancer cells.

Main Methods:

  • HT-29 cells were treated with varying concentrations of phloretin.
  • Cell viability was assessed.
  • Western blot analysis was used to examine protein levels (Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, Smac/Diablo).
  • Caspase cleavage and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activity were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Phloretin dose-dependently decreased viable HT-29 cell number and induced apoptosis.
  • Increased levels of Bax, cytochrome c, and Smac/Diablo were observed.
  • Phloretin induced the cleavage of caspase-8, -9, -7, -3, and PARP.

Conclusions:

  • Phloretin inhibits HT-29 colon cancer cell growth through apoptosis induction.
  • The apoptotic process involves mitochondrial membrane permeability changes and caspase pathway activation.

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