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Published on: September 15, 2023
Human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 apoptosis induced by SFPS-B2 via a mitochondrial-mediated pathway
Yu-Bin Ji1, Chen-Feng Ji, Lei Yue
1Engineering Research Center of Natural Anticancer Drugs, Ministry of Education, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin, China.
Abstract:
This study was to investigate the effect of Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharides (SFPS-B2) on the proliferation and apoptosis of human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901. Cells were treated with different concentrations of SFPS-B2. MTT and flow cytometry (FCM) assays were performed to evaluate the effect of SFPS-B2 on the cell growth and apoptosis. Inverted fluorescent microscope was used to observe cell morphology. Laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) was used to analyze intracellular calcium ion concentration, mitochondrion permeability transition pore (MPTP) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Spectrophotometer was applied to quantify the activity of Caspase-9 and Caspase-3. FCM was used to determine the expressions of Bcl-2, Bax and cytochrome C. It was shown that SFPS-B2 inhibited the growth of SGC-7901. After the treatment for 72 h, the cell apoptosis morphology was obvious, which showed that cell protuberance and apoptotic body appeared, and the cytoplasm was concentrated; the apoptotic peak appeared and the apoptotic rate increased in a dose-dependent manner. After the treatment for 24 h, SFPS-B2 activated intracellular MPTP and decreased MMP. It also increased the activity of Caspase-9 and Caspase-3, down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 and up-regulated the expression of Bax, induced the release of Cyt-C. SFPS-B2 induced SGC-7901 apoptosis through a mitochondrial-mediated pathway, suggesting it may be an agent for cancer treatment.
Insights
Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharides (SFPS-B2) effectively inhibit human gastric cancer cell growth. SFPS-B2 induces apoptosis via a mitochondrial pathway, suggesting potential as a novel cancer treatment agent.
Area of Science:
- Marine natural products
- Cancer biology
- Cellular and molecular pharmacology
Background:
- Gastric cancer remains a significant global health challenge.
- Natural compounds are increasingly explored for anticancer properties.
- Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharides (SFPS-B2) are bioactive compounds from seaweed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of SFPS-B2 on the SGC-7901 human gastric cancer cell line.
- To elucidate the underlying mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis pathway induced by SFPS-B2.
Main Methods:
- Cell viability was assessed using MTT assays.
- Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM) and morphological observation.
- Mitochondrial function (MPTP, MMP) and calcium ion concentration were measured using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM).
- Caspase activity (Caspase-9, Caspase-3) and protein expression (Bcl-2, Bax, cytochrome C) were quantified.
Main Results:
- SFPS-B2 significantly inhibited SGC-7901 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner.
- Morphological analysis revealed characteristic apoptotic features, including apoptotic bodies.
- SFPS-B2 treatment led to increased apoptotic rates, activation of MPTP, decreased MMP, and elevated Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 activities.
- Downregulation of Bcl-2, upregulation of Bax, and release of cytochrome C were observed, confirming mitochondrial pathway involvement.
Conclusions:
- SFPS-B2 exhibits potent anti-gastric cancer activity by inducing apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway.
- SFPS-B2 demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for gastric cancer treatment.

