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DNA fragmentation and apoptosis induced by safranal in human prostate cancer cell line
Saeed Samarghandian1, Mahmoud M Shabestari
1Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Health Strategic Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
Objectives:
Apoptosis, an important mechanism that contributes to cell growth reduction, is reported to be induced by Crocus sativus (Saffron) in different cancer types. However, limited effort has been made to correlate these effects to the active ingredients of saffron. The present study was designed to elucidate cytotoxic and apoptosis induction by safranal, the major coloring compound in saffron, in a human prostate cancer cell line (PC-3).
Materials And Methods:
PC-3 and human fetal lung fibroblast (MRC-5) cells were cultured and exposed to safranal (5, 10, 15, and 20 μg/ml). The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed to assess cytotoxicity. DNA fragmentation was assessed by gel electrophoresis. Cells were incubated with different concentrations of safranal, and cell morphologic changes and apoptosis were determined by the normal inverted microscope, Annexin V, and propidium iodide, followed by flow cytometric analysis, respectively.
Results:
MTT assay revealed a remarkable and concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect of safranal on PC-3 cells in comparison with non-malignant cell line. The morphologic alterations of the cells confirmed the MTT results. The IC50 values against PC-3 cells were found to be 13.0 0.07 and 6.4 0.09 μg/ml at 48 and 72 h, respectively. Safranal induced an early and late apoptosis in the flow cytometry histogram of treated cells, indicating apoptosis is involved in this toxicity. DNA analysis revealed typical ladders as early as 48 and 72 h after treatment, indicative of apoptosis.
Conclusions:
Our preclinical study demonstrated a prostate cancer cell line to be highly sensitive to safranal-mediated growth inhibition and apoptotic cell death. Although the molecular mechanisms of safranal action are not clearly understood, it appears to have potential as a therapeutic agent.
Insights
Safranal, a saffron compound, effectively inhibits prostate cancer cell growth and induces apoptosis. This preclinical study highlights safranal
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Biology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Crocus sativus (Saffron) exhibits anti-cancer properties.
- The active compounds responsible for saffron's effects are not fully understood.
- Safranal is the primary coloring compound in saffron.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytotoxic effects of safranal on human prostate cancer cells (PC-3).
- To determine safranal's ability to induce apoptosis in PC-3 cells.
- To correlate saffron's anti-cancer activity with its component, safranal.
Main Methods:
- Human prostate cancer (PC-3) and normal lung fibroblast (MRC-5) cells were treated with varying concentrations of safranal.
- Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay.
- Apoptosis was evaluated through DNA fragmentation analysis, Annexin V/propidium iodide staining, and flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Safranal demonstrated a significant, dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on PC-3 cells.
- Morphological changes and DNA fragmentation confirmed safranal-induced apoptosis.
- Flow cytometry indicated safranal triggers both early and late apoptosis in cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- Safranal exhibits potent anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing activity against prostate cancer cells.
- Safranal shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent for prostate cancer.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of safranal's action.
