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Stigmasterol isolated from marine microalgae Navicula incerta induces apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells
Young-Sang Kim1, Xi-Feng Li2, Kyong-Hwa Kang3
1Department of Chemistry, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Korea.
Abstract:
Plant sterols have shown potent anti-proliferative effects and apoptosis induction against breast and prostate cancers. However, the effect of sterols against hepatic cancer has not been investigated. In the present study, we assessed whether the stigmasterol isolated from Navicula incerta possesses apoptosis inductive effect in hepatocarcimona (HepG2) cells. According to the results, Stigmasterol has up-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic gene expressions (Bax, p53) while down-regulating the anti-apoptotic genes (Bcl-2). Probably via mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathway. With the induction of apoptosis caspase-8, 9 were activated. The DNA damage and increase in apoptotic cell numbers were observed through Hoechst staining, annexin V staining and cell cycle analysis. According to these results, we can suggest that the stigmasterol shows potent apoptosis inductive effects and has the potential to be tested as an anti-cancer therapeutic against liver cancer.
Insights
Stigmasterol, derived from Navicula incerta, effectively induces apoptosis in liver cancer cells (HepG2). This plant sterol shows potential as a novel therapeutic agent for treating hepatocellular carcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Plant sterols exhibit anti-cancer properties, particularly against breast and prostate cancers.
- The anti-cancer effects of sterols on hepatic cancer remain largely unexplored.
- Investigating novel therapeutic compounds for liver cancer is crucial due to its high mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the apoptosis-inducing potential of stigmasterol from Navicula incerta in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying stigmasterol's effect on liver cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of stigmasterol from the microalga Navicula incerta.
- Treatment of HepG2 cells with stigmasterol.
- Analysis of gene expression (Bax, p53, Bcl-2) using quantitative PCR.
- Assessment of apoptosis via Hoechst staining, Annexin V staining, and cell cycle analysis.
- Evaluation of caspase-8 and caspase-9 activation.
Main Results:
- Stigmasterol significantly up-regulated pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, p53) and down-regulated anti-apoptotic genes (Bcl-2) in HepG2 cells.
- Evidence suggests the involvement of the mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathway.
- Activation of caspase-8 and caspase-9 was observed, indicating apoptosis induction.
- Increased DNA damage and a higher number of apoptotic cells were confirmed through various staining techniques and cell cycle analysis.
Conclusions:
- Stigmasterol isolated from Navicula incerta demonstrates potent apoptosis-inductive effects in liver cancer cells.
- The compound likely mediates its effects through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.
- Stigmasterol holds promise as a potential therapeutic candidate for liver cancer treatment.
