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Anticancer activity of glucomoringin isothiocyanate in human malignant astrocytoma cells
Thangavelu Soundara Rajan1, Gina Rosalinda De Nicola2, Renato Iori2
1IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy.
Abstract:
Isothiocyanates (ITCs) released from their glucosinolate precursors have been shown to inhibit tumorigenesis and they have received significant attention as potential chemotherapeutic agents against cancer. Astrocytoma grade IV is the most frequent and most malignant primary brain tumor in adults without any curative treatment. New therapeutic drugs are therefore urgently required. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro antitumor activity of the glycosylated isothiocyanate moringin [4-(α-l-rhamnopyranosyloxy)benzyl isothiocyanate] produced from quantitative myrosinase-induced hydrolysis of glucomoringin (GMG) under neutral pH value. We have evaluated the potency of moringin on apoptosis induction and cell death in human astrocytoma grade IV CCF-STTG1 cells. Moringin showed to be effective in inducing apoptosis through p53 and Bax activation and Bcl-2 inhibition. In addition, oxidative stress related Nrf2 transcription factor and its upstream regulator CK2 alpha expressions were modulated at higher doses, which indicated the involvement of oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis induced by moringin. Moreover, significant reduction in 5S rRNA was noticed with moringin treatment. Our in vitro results demonstrated the antitumor efficacy of moringin derived from myrosinase-hydrolysis of GMG in human malignant astrocytoma cells.
Insights
Moringin, a natural compound, effectively triggers cancer cell death in human astrocytoma. This study highlights its potential as a novel chemotherapeutic agent for aggressive brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Isothiocyanates (ITCs) show promise as anti-cancer agents by inhibiting tumorigenesis.
- Astrocytoma grade IV is a highly malignant brain tumor with limited treatment options, necessitating new therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro antitumor activity of moringin, a glycosylated isothiocyanate, against human astrocytoma grade IV cells.
- To evaluate moringin's effects on apoptosis induction, cell death, and related molecular pathways.
Main Methods:
- Moringin was produced via myrosinase-induced hydrolysis of glucomoringin (GMG) under neutral pH.
- Human astrocytoma grade IV CCF-STTG1 cells were treated with moringin.
- Apoptosis induction was assessed by evaluating p53, Bax, Bcl-2, Nrf2, CK2 alpha, and 5S rRNA expression.
Main Results:
- Moringin effectively induced apoptosis and cell death in human astrocytoma cells.
- Apoptosis was mediated through p53 and Bax activation, and Bcl-2 inhibition.
- Oxidative stress pathways involving Nrf2 and CK2 alpha were modulated, and 5S rRNA was reduced at higher moringin doses.
Conclusions:
- Moringin exhibits significant in vitro antitumor efficacy against human malignant astrocytoma cells.
- The findings suggest moringin's potential as a novel chemotherapeutic agent derived from natural sources for treating aggressive brain tumors.
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