Activity in MCF-7 Estrogen-sensitive Breast Cancer Cells of Capsicodendrin from Cinnamosma fragrans

Anticancer Res. 2021 Dec;41(12):5935-5944. doi: 10.21873/anticanres.15412.

Abstract

Background/aim: Effect of capsicodendrin on the NF-κB pathway was studied in MCF-7 cancer cells.

Materials and methods: The transcription factor assay was used to screen for NF-κB activity. The effect on IKKβ, ICAM-1, and caspase-7 were studied using western blot. Caspase-1 was studied using Promega Caspase-Glo® assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected using the fluorescent probe DCFH-DA. The potentiometric dye JC-1 was used to assess mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and the cell cycle was examined using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter.

Results: NF-κB p65 inhibitory effect was IC50=8.6 μM and cytotoxic activity was IC50=7.5 μM. The upstream IKK and the downstream ICAM-1 were down-regulated. Sub G1-phase population increased to 81% after 12 h of treatment with capsicodendrin (10 μM) and there was no loss of ΔΨM.

Conclusion: Increased levels of intracellular ROS promoted activity of caspase-1 and induced cell death in MCF-7 cells. Capsicodendrin may be a future anticancer agent that prevents the progression of metastatic breast cancer.

Keywords: Capsicodendrin; ICAM-1; IKKβ; MCF-7; NF-κB; ROS; caspase-1; caspase-7.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology*
  • Caspases / metabolism
  • Cell Cycle / drug effects
  • Cinnamomum / chemistry*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • I-kappa B Kinase
  • MCF-7 Cells / drug effects*
  • Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial / drug effects
  • Molecular Structure
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • NF-kappa B
  • Plant Extracts
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • I-kappa B Kinase
  • Caspases