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Updated: Feb 17, 2026
Cytotoxic Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy in Osteosarcoma Cells In Vitro
Published on: March 18, 2014
Antitumor effects of pristimerin on human osteosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo
Yuki Mori1, Toshiharu Shirai1, Ryu Terauchi1
1Department of Orthopaedics.
Abstract:
There are very few treatments for musculoskeletal tumors, compared to other cancers; thus, novel therapeutic drugs are needed. Pristimerin (PM) is a triterpene compound isolated from plant extracts that reportedly has antitumor effects on various cancers, such as of the breast and prostate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antitumor effects of PM on human osteosarcoma cells. Treatment of the human osteosarcoma cell lines, MNNG and 143B, with PM led to a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability. The effects of PM on apoptosis were evaluated with the Annexin V/propidium iodide assay and analysis of caspases 3, 8, and 9 activities. Western blot analysis showed that PM caused a decrease in the expression of Akt, mTOR, and NF-κB. The volumes and weights of human osteosarcoma xenografts decreased significantly with PM treatment. The results of this study revealed that PM can inhibit human osteosarcoma growth in vitro and in vivo, and may be a novel therapeutic agent for the disease.
Insights
Pristimerin (PM) shows promise as a novel therapeutic for osteosarcoma. This plant-derived compound effectively inhibited human osteosarcoma cell growth and tumor xenografts in preclinical studies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Musculoskeletal tumors, particularly osteosarcoma, have limited treatment options.
- Novel therapeutic agents are urgently needed for osteosarcoma.
- Pristimerin (PM), a triterpene from plant extracts, exhibits antitumor activity in other cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential antitumor effects of Pristimerin (PM) on human osteosarcoma cells.
- To evaluate PM's efficacy in inhibiting osteosarcoma cell viability and growth.
- To explore PM's mechanism of action in osteosarcoma.
Main Methods:
- Human osteosarcoma cell lines (MNNG, 143B) were treated with varying doses of PM.
- Cell viability was assessed using standard assays.
- Apoptosis was evaluated via Annexin V/propidium iodide staining and caspase activity assays.
- Western blot analysis was performed to examine key protein expressions (Akt, mTOR, NF-κB).
- In vivo efficacy was tested using human osteosarcoma xenografts in mice.
Main Results:
- PM treatment resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in osteosarcoma cell viability.
- PM induced apoptosis in cancer cells, evidenced by caspase activation.
- PM significantly reduced the expression of Akt, mTOR, and NF-κB signaling proteins.
- In vivo studies demonstrated significant reductions in tumor volume and weight with PM treatment.
Conclusions:
- Pristimerin (PM) effectively inhibits human osteosarcoma cell growth both in vitro and in vivo.
- PM demonstrates potential as a novel therapeutic agent for osteosarcoma.
- The study highlights PM's ability to modulate key cancer-related signaling pathways.
