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Anti-cancer Effects of Fucoxanthin on Human Glioblastoma Cell Line
Flavia Garcia Lopes1, Karen Andrineia Oliveira2, Rafael Garcia Lopes3
1Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Gliomas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
Background/Aim:
Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most malignant primary brain tumor. New treatment strategies against the disease are urgently needed, as therapies are not completely efficient. In this study, we evaluated the antitumorigenic activity of the carotenoid fucoxanthin (Fx) on human GBM cells in vitro.
Materials And Methods:
GBM1 cell viability and proliferation was assessed by MTT reduction, Ki67 and single cell cloning assays. GBM1 migration and invasion were analyzed by wound healing and Transwell assays. Apoptosis and necrosis were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) by the selective fluorescent dye tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester. Cell morphology was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Fx anti-angiogenic effect was assessed by the CAM ex ovo assay.
Results:
Fx decreased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner (40-100 μ M) in GBM1, A172 and C6 cell lines and was not cytotoxic to murine astrocytes. In addition, Fx inhibited the proliferation and clonogenic potential, and decreased migration and invasion of GBM1 cells. Furthermore, Fx induced apoptosis, loss of ΔΨm and ultrastructural alterations in GBM1. Fx-treated GBM1 cells-conditioned medium reduced the quail yolk membrane vascularity.
Conclusion:
Fx induces cytotoxicity, anti-proliferative, anti-invasive and anti-angiogenic effects on GBM1 cells.
Insights
The carotenoid fucoxanthin (Fx) demonstrated significant antitumorigenic activity against glioblastoma (GBM) cells in vitro. Fx reduced GBM cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion, while also exhibiting anti-angiogenic effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Glioblastomas (GBMs) are aggressive primary brain tumors with limited treatment options.
- Current therapies for GBM are often inefficient, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Fucoxanthin (Fx), a marine carotenoid, is being investigated for its potential health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antitumorigenic effects of fucoxanthin (Fx) on human glioblastoma (GBM) cells in vitro.
- To assess Fx's impact on GBM cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis.
- To investigate Fx's anti-angiogenic potential.
Main Methods:
- Cell viability and proliferation assessed using MTT reduction, Ki67, and single-cell cloning assays.
- Migration and invasion analyzed via wound healing and Transwell assays.
- Apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cell morphology evaluated using flow cytometry and electron microscopy; anti-angiogenic effects assessed by CAM assay.
Main Results:
- Fucoxanthin significantly decreased GBM cell viability and proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting murine astrocytes.
- Fx inhibited GBM cell migration and invasion, induced apoptosis, and caused ultrastructural changes.
- Fx demonstrated anti-angiogenic properties by reducing vascularization in the quail yolk membrane assay.
Conclusions:
- Fucoxanthin exhibits significant cytotoxicity against GBM cells.
- Fx possesses anti-proliferative, anti-invasive, and anti-angiogenic properties relevant to GBM treatment.
- Fucoxanthin is a promising candidate for developing new glioblastoma therapies.
