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Updated: May 22, 2026

Evaluating Cell Death Using Cell-Free Supernatant of Probiotics in Three-Dimensional Spheroid Cultures of Colorectal Cancer Cells
Published on: June 13, 2020
Luffa echinata Roxb. induces human colon cancer cell (HT-29) death by triggering the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway
Li-Hua Shang1, Chun-Mei Li, Zhao-Yang Yang
1Department of Internal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Haping Road 150 of Nangang District, Harbin 150081, China.
The Luffa echinata Roxb. (LER) fruit extract shows anticancer potential by inhibiting colon cancer cell growth. It induces apoptosis through reactive oxygen species generation and cell cycle arrest, suggesting therapeutic possibilities.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Cancer Biology
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Colon cancer remains a significant global health challenge.
- Natural products are increasingly explored for novel therapeutic agents.
- Luffa echinata Roxb. is a traditional medicinal plant with potential bioactivities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antiproliferative effects of Luffa echinata Roxb. (LER) extract on human colon cancer cells.
- To elucidate the mechanism of cell death induced by LER.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of LER against colon carcinoma.
Main Methods:
- Human colon cancer cells (HT-29) were treated with LER methanolic extract.
- Cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed.
- Gene expression analysis of apoptosis-related genes (caspase-3, Bcl-XL, Bax, Bcl-2) was performed using RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- LER significantly inhibited HT-29 cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
- LER induced significant apoptosis, characterized by ROS generation and decreased MMP.
- LER caused G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and modulated the expression of apoptosis-related genes, increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio.
Conclusions:
- Luffa echinata Roxb. extract exhibits potent anticancer properties against human colon cancer cells.
- The anticancer effects are mediated through the induction of apoptosis via ROS generation and cell cycle arrest.
- LER demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for colon carcinoma, warranting further investigation.
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