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The anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic effect of the methanol extract from brittle star
Javad Baharara1, Elaheh Amini2, Marzieh Mousavi3
1Research Center for Animal Development Applied Biology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.
Background:
Anti-angiogenic therapy is a crucial step in cancer treatment. The discovery of new anti-angiogenic compounds from marine organisms has become an attractive concept in anti-cancer therapy. Because little data correlated to the pro- and anti-angiogenic efficacies of Ophiuroidea, which include brittle star, the current study was designed to explore the anti-angiogenic potential of brittle star methanol extract in vitro and in vivo.
Methods:
The anti-proliferative effect of brittle star extract on A2780cp cells was examined by MTT assays, and transcriptional expression of VEGF and b-FGF was evaluated by RT-PCR. In an in vivo model, 40 fertilized Ross eggs were divided into control and three experimental groups. The experimental groups were incubated with brittle star extract at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 µg/ml, and photographed by photo-stereomicroscopy. Ultimately, numbers and lengths of vessels were measured by Image J software. Data were analyzed with SPSS software (p<0.05).
Results:
Results illustrated that the brittle star extract exerted a dose- and time-dependent anti-proliferative effect on A2780cp cancer cells. In addition, VEGF and b-FGF expression decreased with brittle star methanol extract treatment. Macroscopic evaluations revealed significant changes in the second and third experimental group compared to controls (p<0.05).
Conclusion:
These finding revealed the anti-angiogenic effects of brittle star methanol extract in vitro and in vivo confer novel insight into the application of natural marine products in angiogenesis-related pathologies.
Insights
Brittle star methanol extract shows anti-angiogenic effects, reducing cancer cell proliferation and blood vessel growth in vitro and in vivo. This discovery offers new possibilities for marine-derived anti-cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Anti-angiogenic therapy is vital for cancer treatment.
- Marine organisms are a promising source for novel anti-cancer compounds.
- Limited data exists on the angiogenic effects of Ophiuroidea (brittle stars).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-angiogenic potential of brittle star methanol extract.
- To evaluate the extract's effects on cancer cell proliferation and key angiogenic factors.
- To assess efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo models.
Main Methods:
- MTT assays assessed anti-proliferative effects on A2780cp cells.
- RT-PCR evaluated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) expression.
- An in vivo study used fertilized Ross eggs treated with varying extract concentrations, with vessel analysis via photo-stereomicroscopy and Image J software.
Main Results:
- Brittle star extract demonstrated a dose- and time-dependent anti-proliferative effect on A2780cp cancer cells.
- VEGF and b-FGF expression levels were reduced following extract treatment.
- Significant anti-angiogenic changes were observed in vivo in treated groups compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Brittle star methanol extract exhibits significant anti-angiogenic properties.
- These findings highlight the potential of marine natural products in treating angiogenesis-related diseases.
- The study provides novel insights into the therapeutic applications of brittle star extracts.
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