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Quercetin induces apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway in KB and KBv200 cells

Jian-ye Zhang1, Tao Yi, Jing Liu

  • 1School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University , Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|February 16, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Quercetin and acacetin exhibit potent anticancer effects against human epidermoid carcinoma cells. Quercetin effectively induces apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway in these cancer cells.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Cell Biology
  • Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

  • Flavonoids are plant-derived compounds with diverse biological activities.
  • Cancer research continuously seeks novel therapeutic agents from natural sources.
  • Understanding flavonoid mechanisms is crucial for drug development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the anticancer potential of six flavonoids against human epidermoid carcinoma KB and KBv200 cells.
  • To elucidate the mechanism of action for effective compounds.
  • To identify promising flavonoid-based anticancer agents.

Main Methods:

  • Cell viability assays were performed to determine IC50 values.
  • Flow cytometry was used to analyze apoptosis induction.
  • Mitochondrial pathway markers (ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c, caspases, PARP) were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Quercetin and acacetin demonstrated significant inhibition of KB and KBv200 cell growth.
  • Quercetin displayed IC50 values of 17.84 μM (KB) and 18.94 μM (KBv200).
  • Quercetin induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway, involving caspase activation and PARP cleavage, independent of Bcl-2/Bax.

Conclusions:

  • Quercetin and acacetin are potent anticancer agents against human epidermoid carcinoma cells.
  • Quercetin triggers apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway, offering a potential therapeutic strategy.
  • Further investigation into quercetin's anticancer properties is warranted.

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