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Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Induces Cancer Cell Apoptosis via Mitochondrial-Dependent Pathway and Down-Regulating

Zhihui Min1, Lingyan Wang2, Jianjun Jin3

  • 11. Biomedical Research Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; ; 2. Biomedical Research Center, Zhongshan Hospital Qingpu Branch, Shanghai, 201700 China; ; 3. Shanghai key laboratory of organ transplantation, Shanghai, 200032, China;

Journal of Cancer
|August 28, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) demonstrates anti-tumor effects by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. This compound shows low toxicity to normal cells, suggesting potential for cancer therapy development.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is recognized for potential anti-tumor properties.
  • The precise mechanisms underlying PQQ's effects on cancer cells remain largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of PQQ on the proliferation and apoptosis of solid tumor cell lines.
  • To elucidate the molecular pathways involved in PQQ-induced apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Treatment of A549, Neuro-2A, and HCC-LM3 tumor cell lines with varying concentrations of PQQ.
  • Assessment of cell viability, apoptosis markers (ROS, ATP levels, MMP, Bcl-2, caspase-3, MAPK).
  • Evaluation of PQQ's effects on normal cell lines (HRPTEpiC, HUVEC).

Main Results:

  • PQQ exhibited significant anti-tumor activity against A549 and Neuro-2A cells at low to medium doses.
  • PQQ induced apoptosis in tumor cells in a concentration-dependent manner.
  • Apoptosis was linked to increased ROS, decreased ATP, mitochondrial dysfunction, altered Bcl-2 and caspase-3 levels, and modified MAPK signaling.

Conclusions:

  • PQQ effectively induces mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in tumor cells.
  • PQQ demonstrates selective toxicity, sparing normal cells.
  • PQQ shows promise as a potential anti-cancer therapeutic agent.
Keywords:
MAPKapoptosisbcl-2.mitochondrial membrane potentialpyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)

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