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α-Solanine Inhibits Proliferation, Invasion, and Migration, and Induces Apoptosis in Human Choriocarcinoma JEG-3
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China.
Abstract:
α-Solanine, a bioactive compound mainly found in potato, exhibits anti-cancer activity towards multiple cancer cells. However, its effects on human choriocarcinoma have not been evaluated. In the present study, we investigated the effect of α-solanine on cell proliferation and apoptosis in human choriocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that α-solanine, at concentrations of 30 μM or below, did not affect the cell viability of the choriocarcinoma cell line JEG-3. However, colony formation was significantly decreased and cell apoptosis was increased in response to 30 μM α-solanine. In addition, α-solanine (30 μM) reduced the migration and invasion abilities of JEG-3 cells, which was associated with a downregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2/9. The in vivo findings provided further evidence of the inhibition of α-solanine on choriocarcinoma tumor growth. α-Solanine suppressed the xenograft tumor growth of JEG-3 cells, resulting in smaller tumor volumes and lower tumor weights. Apoptosis was promoted in xenograft tumors of α-solanine-treated mice. Moreover, α-solanine downregulated proliferative cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Bcl-2 levels and promoted the expression of Bax. Collectively, α-solanine inhibits the growth, migration, and invasion of human JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells, which may be associated with the induction of apoptosis.
Insights
Alpha-solanine from potatoes shows anti-cancer potential against human choriocarcinoma. This natural compound inhibits tumor growth, migration, and invasion by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.
Area of Science:
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Alpha-solanine is a bioactive potato compound with demonstrated anti-cancer properties.
- The anti-cancer effects of alpha-solanine on human choriocarcinoma remain largely unevaluated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of alpha-solanine on human choriocarcinoma cell proliferation and apoptosis.
- To assess the in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer activity of alpha-solanine against choriocarcinoma.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the human choriocarcinoma cell line JEG-3 for in vitro studies.
- Administered alpha-solanine to mice with xenografted JEG-3 tumors for in vivo evaluation.
- Assessed cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and expression of key proteins (MMP-2/9, PCNA, Bcl-2, Bax).
Main Results:
- Alpha-solanine (≤30 μM) did not affect JEG-3 cell viability but decreased colony formation and increased apoptosis.
- Reduced migration and invasion of JEG-3 cells were observed, linked to MMP-2/9 downregulation.
- In vivo, alpha-solanine suppressed tumor growth, reduced tumor volume and weight, and promoted apoptosis in xenograft models.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-solanine effectively inhibits the growth, migration, and invasion of human choriocarcinoma cells.
- The anti-cancer effects are associated with the induction of apoptosis and modulation of key cellular markers.
- Alpha-solanine presents a potential therapeutic agent for human choriocarcinoma.
