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Enhancement of Apoptotic and Autophagic Induction by a Novel Synthetic C-1 Analogue of 7-deoxypancratistatin in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma and Neuroblastoma Cells with Tamoxifen
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Enhancement of Apoptotic and Autophagic Induction by a Novel Synthetic C-1 Analogue of 7-deoxypancratistatin in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma and Neuroblastoma Cells with Tamoxifen

Published on: May 30, 2012

Oleandrin Promotes Apoptosis in an Autophagy-Dependent Manner in Gastric Cancer

Xiaoyan Huang1,2, Liting Yan1,2, Xiangrong Zhao1,2

  • 1Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, 710068 Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.

Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark Edition)
|June 4, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Ole, a phytochemical from Nerium oleander, triggers apoptosis and autophagy in gastric cancer (GC) cells. Autophagy activation by Ole may be key to its anti-cancer effects, suggesting its potential as a digestive system tumor treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Oleandrin (Ole), a phytochemical from Nerium oleander, exhibits anti-tumor properties.
  • The interplay between Ole-induced apoptosis and autophagy in gastric cancer (GC) remains incompletely understood.
  • This study investigates the interaction between autophagy and Ole-induced apoptosis in GC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis induced by oleandrin in gastric cancer.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of oleandrin in gastric cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Cell proliferation assessed using CCK-8 and colony formation assays.
  • Apoptosis evaluated via Calcein/PI assays and flow cytometry.
  • Autophagy morphology examined using confocal and electron microscopy; protein levels by western blotting; in vivo anti-tumor activity in mice.

Main Results:

  • Ole induces apoptosis and autophagy in GC cells at low nanomolar concentrations, arresting the cell cycle at G0/G1.
  • Autophagy inhibition using 3-methyladenine (3-MA) counteracted Ole-induced apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo.
  • Ole demonstrated anti-tumor activity in a mouse model.

Conclusions:

  • Ole may activate apoptosis via autophagy induction in gastric cancer.
  • Ole shows promise as a safe and effective therapeutic candidate for digestive system tumors.
Keywords:
G0/G1 phaseapoptosisautophagygastric canceroleandrin

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