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Diallyl disulfide induces apoptosis of human colon tumor cells
1Department of Nutrition, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA.
Abstract:
The present studies compared the effects of various oil-soluble compounds containing allyl and disulfide groups on the proliferation of cultured human colon tumor cells (HCT-15). Diallyl disulfide (DADS) was more effective in inhibiting the growth of HCT-15 cells than isomolar concentrations of S-allyl cysteine, dipropyl disulfide (DPDS), allyl chloride, allyl glycidyl ether and allyl alcohol. These studies clearly demonstrate the importance of both the diallyl and the disulfide groups in DADS. Treatment of HCT-15 cells with 100 microM DADS increased the intracellular calcium levels by 40%, while DPDS caused only a 12% increase in intracellular calcium. Exposure to 100 microM DADS or more, but not DPDS, caused the cells to undergo apoptosis as determined by morphological changes and DNA fragmentation. A positive correlation (r=0.944) was found between DADS-induced DNA fragmentation and its ability to increase intracellular free calcium levels. The widespread effectiveness of DADS was evident by its ability to inhibit the growth of human colon (HCT-15), skin (SK MEL-2) and lung (A549) tumor cell lines.
Insights
Diallyl disulfide (DADS) effectively inhibits human colon tumor cell growth by increasing intracellular calcium and inducing apoptosis. Its diallyl and disulfide components are crucial for its anti-cancer effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Oil-soluble compounds with allyl and disulfide groups are investigated for anti-cancer properties.
- Human colon tumor cells (HCT-15) are used as a model system to study cellular proliferation.
- Diallyl disulfide (DADS) is a compound of interest due to its chemical structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the anti-proliferative effects of DADS with other related compounds on human colon tumor cells.
- To elucidate the role of diallyl and disulfide groups in DADS's anti-cancer activity.
- To investigate the mechanism of DADS-induced tumor cell death, including calcium signaling and apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- In vitro culture of human colon tumor cells (HCT-15).
- Treatment with various oil-soluble compounds, including DADS and dipropyl disulfide (DPDS).
- Measurement of intracellular calcium levels.
- Assessment of apoptosis through morphological changes and DNA fragmentation analysis.
Main Results:
- Diallyl disulfide (DADS) demonstrated superior inhibition of HCT-15 cell proliferation compared to other tested compounds.
- DADS significantly increased intracellular calcium levels (40%) and induced apoptosis, unlike DPDS.
- A strong positive correlation (r=0.944) was observed between DADS-induced DNA fragmentation and increased intracellular calcium.
- DADS exhibited broad-spectrum anti-proliferative activity against colon, skin, and lung tumor cell lines.
Conclusions:
- The diallyl and disulfide moieties in DADS are essential for its potent anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects.
- DADS-mediated calcium influx plays a critical role in triggering programmed cell death in tumor cells.
- Diallyl disulfide shows promise as a therapeutic agent against various human cancers.