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Published on: November 23, 2017
Influence of paeonol on expression of COX-2 and p27 in HT-29 cells
Jun-Mei Ye1, Tao Deng, Jian-Bao Zhang
1Gastroenterology Department, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China.
Aim:
To investigate the effect of paeonol on controlling the proliferation of colorectal cancer cell line HT-29 and to discuss its possible mechanism.
Methods:
The inhibitory effect of paeonol on proliferation of HT-29 cells was detected by MTT assay. The results of apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. Immunocytochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and protein p27 in HT-29 cells treated with paeonol at different concentrations. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for mRNA analysis.
Results:
From the data of both MTT and flow cytometry, we observed that cell proliferation was inhibited by different concentrations of paeonol. By immunocytochemical staining, we found that HT-29 cells treated with paeonol (0.024-1.504 mmol/L) reflected reduced expression of COX-2 and increased expression of p27 in a dose-dependent manner. RT-PCR showed that paeonol down-regulated COX-2 and up-regulated p27 in a dose- and time-dependent manner in HT-29 cells.
Conclusion:
One of the apoptotic mechanisms of paeonol is down-regulation of COX-2. p27 is up-regulated simultaneously and plays an important part in controlling cell proliferation and is a crucial factor in the Fas/FasL apoptosis pathway.
Insights
Paeonol effectively inhibits colorectal cancer cell growth by reducing cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and increasing p27 protein expression, offering a potential therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health challenge.
- Identifying novel therapeutic agents for CRC is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-proliferative effects of paeonol on the HT-29 colorectal cancer cell line.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of paeonol's action.
Main Methods:
- MTT assay for cell proliferation assessment.
- Flow cytometry for apoptosis analysis.
- Immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR for protein and mRNA expression analysis of COX-2 and p27.
Main Results:
- Paeonol demonstrated significant dose-dependent inhibition of HT-29 cell proliferation.
- Paeonol treatment led to decreased cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and increased p27 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
- These molecular changes were confirmed at both protein and mRNA levels.
Conclusions:
- Paeonol exerts its anti-cancer effects, in part, through the down-regulation of COX-2.
- Simultaneous up-regulation of p27 by paeonol plays a critical role in controlling cell proliferation and apoptosis.
- Paeonol shows promise as a therapeutic agent for colorectal cancer.
