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Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
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The apoptosis mechanisms of HepG2 cells induced by bitter melon seed

Qing-Guo Cao1, Qin Guo2, Jie Bai2

  • 1Department of College of Tea and Food Science and Technology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry, Zhenjiang, China.

Journal of Food Biochemistry
|April 12, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Bitter melon seed extract (BMSW) induces liver cancer cell apoptosis by regulating microRNA-421 (miR-421) and CASP3. This study provides a scientific basis for using BMS as a dietary supplement for liver cancer patients.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally.
  • Bitter melon seed (BMS) possesses known anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
  • MicroRNA-421 (miR-421) plays a role in regulating cancer initiation, metastasis, and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anticancer mechanisms of bitter melon seed water extract (BMSW) on HepG2 liver cancer cells.
  • To elucidate the role of miR-421 and its target genes in BMSW-induced apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • HepG2 cells were treated with BMSW, and cell viability (IC50) was determined.
  • Assays were conducted to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, protein expression, and nuclear fragmentation.
  • Microarray, RT-PCR, and western blot analyses were used to assess miR-421 expression and its target genes, including CASP3.

Main Results:

  • BMSW treatment led to increased ROS, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells.
  • BMSW inhibited HepG2 cell proliferation by blocking the cell cycle in the S phase.
  • BMSW significantly down-regulated miR-421 expression, identifying CASP3 as a direct target gene, and promoting apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • BMSW effectively induces apoptosis in HepG2 liver cancer cells through the regulation of miR-421 and CASP3.
  • The findings support the potential of BMS as a dietary supplement or functional food for improving outcomes in liver cancer patients.
  • This study provides a scientific foundation for the therapeutic application of bitter melon seed in managing hepatocellular carcinoma.
Keywords:
HepG2apoptosisbitter melon seedmiR-421mitochondrial membrane potential

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