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Induction of apoptosis by retinoids in human cervical-carcinoma cell-lines

N Oridate1, D Lotan, M Mitchell

  • 1UNIV TEXAS,MD ANDERSON CANC CTR,DEPT TUMOR BIOL 108,HOUSTON,TX 77030. UNIV TEXAS,MD ANDERSON CANC CTR,DEPT GYNECOL,HOUSTON,TX 77030. UNIV TEXAS,MD ANDERSON CANC CTR,DEPT THORAC HEAD & NECK MED ONCOL,HOUSTON,TX 77030.

International Journal of Oncology
|May 10, 2011
PubMed

Insights

N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4HPR) significantly induces apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells, unlike all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). This retinoid demonstrates greater potency in triggering programmed cell death, offering potential for cervical cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Retinoids are known to inhibit tumor cell growth and influence differentiation.
  • All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4HPR) are under investigation for cancer chemoprevention and therapy.
  • Cervical carcinoma cell lines represent a significant area of research in gynecologic oncology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effects of ATRA and 4HPR on human cervical carcinoma cell lines.
  • To investigate the mechanisms by which these retinoids affect cancer cell viability and induce apoptosis.
  • To determine the relative potency of 4HPR compared to ATRA and other retinoic acid isomers in inducing apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Treatment of 10 human cervical carcinoma cell lines with 10 mu M 4HPR and 10 mu M ATRA.
  • Morphological assessment of cell changes including rounding, detachment, and decreased cell density.
  • DNA laddering analysis via agarose gel electrophoresis to detect apoptosis.
  • Quantitative DNA degradation assay using [H-3]-thymidine-labeled DNA.
  • Propidium iodide staining and nuclear morphology analysis to identify apoptotic features.

Main Results:

  • 4HPR induced significant morphological changes and decreased cell density in 9 out of 10 cervical carcinoma cell lines, while ATRA had minimal effects.
  • Apoptosis, indicated by DNA laddering, was observed in cell lines treated with 4HPR but not ATRA.
  • Quantitative assays confirmed DNA fragmentation induced by 4HPR as early as 24 hours.
  • Nuclear morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis were observed following 4HPR treatment.
  • 4HPR demonstrated greater potency in inducing apoptosis compared to ATRA and other retinoic acid isomers.

Conclusions:

  • N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4HPR) effectively induces apoptosis in multiple human cervical carcinoma cell lines.
  • 4HPR is more potent than all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and other tested retinoic acid isomers in triggering apoptosis in these cancer cells.
  • These findings suggest 4HPR holds significant promise as a therapeutic agent for cervical cancer.

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