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Cytotoxic Effect of the Genus Sinularia Extracts on Human SCC25 and HaCaT Cells
Guey-Horng Wang1, Tzung-Han Chou, Rong-Jyh Lin
1Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 717, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Soft corals of the genus Sinularia are being increasingly adopted to treat a wide variety of disease processes. However, the mechanism underlying its activity against human oral cancer cells is poorly understood. This study evaluates the cyototoxicity effects of the genus Sinularia extracts (S. grandilobata, S. parva, S. triangula, S. scabra, S. nanolobata and S. gibberosa) by SCC25 and HaCaT cells. The cell adhesion assay indicates that extracts reduce the cell attachment. Extracts exhibit a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect using MTS assay.Treatment of extracts to observe the morphological alterations in cells, membrane blebbing, nuclear condensation, and apoptotic bodies is demonstrated. Flow cytometry shows that extracts sensitized the cells in the G(0)/G(1) and G(2)/M phases with a concomitant significantly increased sub-G(1) fraction, suggesting cell death by apoptosis. Extracts of the genus Sinularia thus apparently cause apoptosis of SCC25 and HaCaT cells, and warrant further research investigating the possible antioral cancer compounds in these soft corals.
Insights
Marine soft corals from the genus Sinularia show promise in cancer research. Extracts from these corals induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in human oral cancer cells, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Soft corals of the genus Sinularia are recognized for diverse medicinal properties.
- The specific mechanisms by which Sinularia extracts affect human oral cancer cells remain largely unelucidated.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing novel cancer therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytotoxic effects of extracts from six Sinularia species on human oral cancer cell lines (SCC25 and HaCaT).
- To elucidate the mode of cell death induced by these extracts.
- To explore the potential of Sinularia soft corals as a source for anti-oral cancer compounds.
Main Methods:
- Preparation and application of extracts from Sinularia grandilobata, S. parva, S. triangula, S. scabra, S. nanolobata, and S. gibberosa.
- Cell adhesion assays to assess cell attachment.
- MTS assay to determine dose-dependent cytotoxicity.
- Morphological analysis of treated cells to identify signs of apoptosis.
- Flow cytometry to analyze cell cycle distribution and apoptosis induction.
Main Results:
- Sinularia extracts significantly reduced cell adhesion in SCC25 and HaCaT cells.
- A dose-dependent cytotoxic effect was observed across all tested extracts.
- Morphological studies revealed characteristic apoptotic features, including membrane blebbing and nuclear condensation.
- Flow cytometry confirmed apoptosis induction, evidenced by cell cycle arrest in G(0)/G(1) and G(2)/M phases and an increased sub-G(1) fraction.
Conclusions:
- Extracts from the studied Sinularia species induce apoptosis in human oral cancer cells (SCC25 and HaCaT).
- These findings highlight the potential of Sinularia soft corals as a source of natural compounds with anti-oral cancer activity.
- Further research is warranted to isolate and characterize the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these effects.
