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Effects of hispolon on glioblastoma cell growth
Antonietta Arcella1, Maria Antonietta Oliva1, Massimo Sanchez2
1I.R.C.C.S. I.N.M. Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.
Abstract:
Hispolon is a polyphenolic compound isolated from Phellinus linteus which exhibits antitumor activity. Here, we explored the effects of hispolon on human glioblastoma cells U87MG. Cell viability was examined by MTT assay. Growth was investigated by incubating cells with various concentrations of hispolon (25 and 50 µM) for 24, 48 or 72 h and daily cell count. Cell cycle and apoptosis assay were assessed by flow cytometry. Hispolon decreased cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The cell cycle distribution showed that hispolon enhanced the accumulation of the cells in G2/M phase. Hispolon decreased the expression of G1-S transition-related protein cyclin D4 but increased the expression of CDK inhibitor p21. Additionally, hispolon enhanced the expression of p53. Moreover, hispolon treatment was effective on U87MG cells in inhibiting cell viability and inducing cell apoptosis. Our results indicate that hispolon inhibits the cell viability, induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in glioblastoma U87MG cells, and p53 should play a role in hispolon-mediated antitumor activity.
Insights
Hispolon, a compound from Phellinus linteus, effectively inhibits human glioblastoma U87MG cell viability. It induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, with p53 playing a key role in its antitumor effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain tumor with limited treatment options.
- Hispolon, a natural polyphenolic compound from Phellinus linteus, has demonstrated antitumor properties.
- Understanding hispolon's mechanism against glioblastoma is crucial for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of hispolon on human glioblastoma U87MG cells.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying hispolon's anticancer activity.
- To assess hispolon's impact on cell viability, cell cycle, and apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Cell viability was assessed using MTT assays.
- Cell growth was monitored via daily cell counts after hispolon treatment.
- Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Hispolon significantly decreased U87MG cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
- Hispolon induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and promoted apoptosis in glioblastoma cells.
- Hispolon modulated the expression of key cell cycle regulators, including cyclin D4, p21, and p53.
Conclusions:
- Hispolon exhibits potent anti-glioblastoma activity by inhibiting cell viability and inducing apoptosis.
- Hispolon-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest is a key mechanism in its antitumor effect.
- The tumor suppressor protein p53 is implicated in hispolon's anticancer efficacy against U87MG cells.

