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Published on: August 3, 2011
Potential use of kiwifruit extract for treatment of melanoma
Leon Kou1, Ziwen Zhu2, Chase Redington2
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, IA, 50312, USA.
Abstract:
Skin cancers are the most common cancers in the world and among the different types of skin cancers, melanoma is the deadliest and incidence is rising. Previous studies have shown promising in vitro and human evidence of kiwifruit exhibiting anti-cancer effects. This study was designed to investigate if kiwifruit extract (KE) has any effect on CRL-11147 melanoma cancer cells and to investigate the possible mechanisms behind the results. The effects of KE on CRL-11147 melanoma cell survival, proliferation, and apoptosis was investigated using clonogenic survival assay, cell proliferation, and caspase-3 activity kits. Potential anti-tumor molecular mechanisms were elucidated using RT-PCR and IHC. Addition of KE decreased CRL-11147 cell colonies percentages indicated by a decreased optical density value of cancer cells when compared to control. Furthermore, treatment with KE increased relative caspase-3 activity in cancer cells, which indicated increased apoptosis of cancer cells. The anti-proliferative effect of KE on cancer cells corresponded with decreased expression of the pro-proliferative molecule Cyclin E and CDK4, while increased expression of the pro-apoptotic molecule TRAILR1 corresponded with the pro-apoptotic effect. KE decreases CRL-11147 melanoma cell growth via downregulation of Cyclin E and CDK4 and upregulation in TRAILR1. Our study suggests a potential use for KE in treatment of melanoma.
Insights
Kiwifruit extract (KE) shows potential in fighting melanoma. Studies indicate KE reduces melanoma cell growth and survival by triggering apoptosis and downregulating key cell cycle proteins.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Phytochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Skin cancers, particularly melanoma, represent a significant global health concern with rising incidence rates.
- Prior research suggests kiwifruit possesses anti-cancer properties, warranting further investigation.
- Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-cancer effects of kiwifruit extract (KE) on CRL-11147 melanoma cells.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying KE's potential anti-melanoma activity.
- To assess KE's impact on melanoma cell survival, proliferation, and apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized clonogenic survival assays, cell proliferation assays, and caspase-3 activity kits to assess cell viability and apoptosis.
- Employed Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) to investigate molecular mechanisms.
- Quantified changes in optical density to measure the impact of KE on cancer cell colonies.
Main Results:
- Kiwifruit extract (KE) significantly reduced the survival and proliferation of CRL-11147 melanoma cells.
- KE treatment led to increased caspase-3 activity, indicating enhanced apoptosis in cancer cells.
- Molecular analysis revealed KE downregulates Cyclin E and CDK4 (pro-proliferative) and upregulates TRAILR1 (pro-apoptotic).
Conclusions:
- Kiwifruit extract (KE) demonstrates significant anti-melanoma effects against CRL-11147 cells.
- KE inhibits melanoma cell growth by downregulating Cyclin E and CDK4 expression.
- KE promotes melanoma cell apoptosis through the upregulation of TRAILR1, suggesting its therapeutic potential.
