Oligonol, a Low Molecular Weight Polyphenol, Enhances Apoptotic Cell Death in Ovarian Cancer Cells via Suppressing NF-κB Activation
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Updated: Jan 30, 2026
In vitro Enrichment of Ovarian Cancer Tumor-initiating Cells
Published on: February 18, 2015
Miseon Kim1, Wook Ha Park2, Seul Lee2
1a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Gangnam Medical Center , CHA University School of Medicine , Seoul , Republic of Korea.
Background:
Oligonol, a low molecular weight polyphenol derived from lychee fruit, not only has anti-inflammatory effects in various disease conditions but also has antitumor-promoting effects. We evaluate the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-related anticancer effect of oligonol in ovarian cancer using SKOV-3 cells.
Methods:
Cell viability was examined after oligonol treatment using MTT assay and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production measurement. Subsequently, apoptotic cell death was visualized by the TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method. The effect of oligonol on the NF-κB signaling pathway was evaluated using western blot analysis and luciferase activity measurement of p65, an NF-κB subunit.
Results:
Cell viability significantly decreased after oligonol treatment of 72 h. Apoptosis-related markers were highly expressed in oligonol-treated cells, and increased apoptosis after oligonol treatment was also confirmed using the TUNEL assay. Western blotting results showed the expression of NF-κB signaling pathway factors, p-ERK, TRAF2, and p-IκBα, increased following treatment with oligonol, whereas p65 and COX-2 expression decreased. Immunofluorescence imaging results showed p65 luciferase activity in the nucleus as well as a shift to cytoplasmic expression.
Conclusion:
Oligonol treatment significantly enhances apoptotic cell death in SKOV-3 cells, with the suppression of NF-κB activation, which plays an essential role in this anticancer effect.
Insights
Oligonol, a lychee polyphenol, effectively induces apoptosis and suppresses nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation in ovarian cancer cells. This study highlights Oligonol
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Oligonol, a low molecular weight polyphenol from lychee fruit, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antitumor-promoting properties.
- Ovarian cancer remains a significant health concern, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-related anticancer effects of Oligonol in SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Cell viability assessed via MTT assay.
- Apoptosis evaluated using TUNEL assay and apoptosis-related marker expression.
- NF-κB signaling pathway modulation analyzed by western blot and luciferase activity assays.
Main Results:
- Oligonol treatment significantly reduced SKOV-3 cell viability and increased apoptosis.
- Key NF-κB pathway components (p-ERK, TRAF2, p-IκBα) expression increased, while p65 and COX-2 decreased.
- Oligonol suppressed NF-κB activation, evidenced by reduced nuclear p65 translocation.
Conclusions:
- Oligonol enhances apoptotic cell death in ovarian cancer cells.
- Suppression of NF-κB activation is a key mechanism underlying Oligonol's anticancer effect.
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