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[Artesunate suppresses human endometrial carcinoma RL95-2 cell proliferation by inducing cell apoptosis]
Jun-sheng Zheng1, Ming-hua Wang, Min Huang
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
Objective:
To investigate the inhibitory effect of artesunate on human endometrial carcinoma RL95-2 cell line proliferation in vitro and the possible mechanisms.
Methods:
The inhibitory effect of artesunate on the cell proliferation was assessed with MTT assay. Transmission electron miscrosopy was used to observe the morphological change of the cells after the treatment. Flow cytometry was performed to examine the changes in the cell cycle, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (with DCFH-DA labeling) and mitochondrial membrane potential (rhodamine123 staining), and caspase-3 activity was detected by immunohistochemistry.
Results:
Artesunate inhibited the proliferation of RL95-2 cells with an IC(50) of 26.29 microg/ml. Transmission electron microscopy revealed early apoptotic changes of the cells with obvious chromatin fragmentation. The cell cycle arrest at G(0)/G(1) phase was observed by flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry demonstrated caspase-3 positivity in cytoplasm. ROS generation in the cells increased obviously after treatment with artesunate for 72 h, which also resulted in lowered mitochondrial membrane potential.
Conclusion:
Artesunate suppressed the proliferation of RL95-2 cells in vitro possibly by inducing cell apoptosis.
Insights
Artesunate effectively inhibits human endometrial carcinoma RL95-2 cell proliferation in vitro. This anticancer effect is linked to inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and increased reactive oxygen species.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Endometrial carcinoma is a significant gynecological malignancy.
- Identifying novel therapeutic agents for endometrial cancer is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro inhibitory effects of artesunate on human endometrial carcinoma RL95-2 cells.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of artesunate's action.
Main Methods:
- Cell proliferation was assessed using MTT assay.
- Morphological changes were observed via transmission electron microscopy.
- Cell cycle, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, and caspase-3 activity were analyzed using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- Artesunate demonstrated significant inhibition of RL95-2 cell proliferation with an IC50 of 26.29 microg/ml.
- Apoptotic changes, including chromatin fragmentation, were observed.
- Artesunate induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, increased ROS generation, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and elevated caspase-3 activity.
Conclusions:
- Artesunate exhibits potent in vitro anti-proliferative effects on human endometrial carcinoma RL95-2 cells.
- The mechanism involves the induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and oxidative stress.