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Antiproliferative Effect of Okra Seed Protein Isolate against HepG2 and A549 Cell Lines
Letisha Maistry1, Abe Shegro Gerrano2, John J Mellem1
1Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa.
Abstract:
Cancer is a non-communicable disease and is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. While plant-derived compounds have exhibited promise in cancer therapy, the biological activity of okra seed protein isolate (OSPI) has not been extensively explored. The present study evaluates the antiproliferative effect of OSPI against human liver hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cancer cell lines using in vitro assays. The protein isolate exhibited cytotoxic effects by reducing A549 cell viability significantly (37.73%), with an IC50 of 21.80 µg/mL, lower than that of a known chemopreventive agent, camptothecin (524.85 µg/mL). Additionally, defatted okra flour (DOF) exhibited potent activity (168.37 µg/mL), suggesting that lower doses could effectively inhibit A549 proliferation. In HepG2 cells, OSPI activated caspase 3/7, 8, and 9, indicating apoptosis via intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Furthermore, OSPI (36.06 µg/mL) and DOF (34.68 µg/mL) elevated p53 expression in A549 cells, suggesting p53-mediated apoptosis. In addition, reactive oxygen species induction by OF further supports its pro-apoptotic potential. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of OSPI, demonstrating its efficacy at lower doses compared to conventional therapeutics, supporting its future development as a plant-based antiproliferative agent. The study provides foundational evidence for the application of OSPI in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.
Insights
Okra seed protein isolate (OSPI) shows significant antiproliferative effects against liver and lung cancer cells. This plant-derived compound demonstrates potent anti-cancer activity, offering a promising natural therapeutic agent.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer is a leading global cause of mortality.
- Plant-derived compounds are increasingly explored for cancer therapy.
- The anticancer potential of okra seed protein isolate (OSPI) remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antiproliferative effects of OSPI on human liver (HepG2) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines.
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms of OSPI-induced cancer cell death.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assays were used to assess the cytotoxic effects of OSPI and defatted okra flour (DOF).
- Apoptosis was evaluated by measuring caspase 3/7, 8, and 9 activation.
- p53 expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction were analyzed.
Main Results:
- OSPI exhibited significant cytotoxicity against A549 cells (IC50 = 21.80 µg/mL), outperforming camptothecin.
- DOF also showed potent activity against A549 cells (IC50 = 168.37 µg/mL).
- OSPI induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells via intrinsic and extrinsic pathways and promoted p53-mediated apoptosis in A549 cells. ROS induction was also observed.
Conclusions:
- OSPI possesses significant antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic properties against liver and lung cancer cell lines.
- OSPI demonstrates comparable or superior efficacy to conventional agents at lower doses.
- OSPI holds potential as a pharmaceutical and nutraceutical agent for cancer therapy.
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