RESUMEN
Objective: To investigat the mechanism of antitumor efficacy of Origanum dayi (O. dayi) and Ochradenus baccatus (O. baccatus) extracts by exploring apoptosis-inducing potential. Methods: The aqueous extracts of aerial parts of aforementioned plants were prepared and used for this study. HepG2 cells were treated with varying concentrations (0, 2 and 5 mg/mL) of each plant extract for 24 or 48 h. Cell apoptosis was measured by annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate binding assay and flow cytometry. The expression levels of various apoptosisrelated genes were determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results: O. dayi and O. baccatus extracts exerted apoptotic effects on HepG2 cells for 48 h following treatment. O. dayi extract was found to be a better apoptosis-inducing agent than O. baccatus extract as the former delivered greater efficacy at a lower concentration. Both extracts manifested upregulation of Bax, Bad, cytochrome c, caspase-3, caspase-7, caspase-9 and poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase. Conclusions: The aqueous extracts of O. dayi and O. baccatus are capable of inducing apoptosis in HepG2 cells through modulation of mitochondrial pathway which explains their antitumor activities. These desert plants may serve as useful resources to develop effective remedies for hepatocellular carcinoma and other human malignancies.
RESUMEN
A checklist is presented concerning the species composition of Hymenomycetes (Aphyllophorales s.l.) and Heterobasidiomycetes in Israel based on data of previous studies and field sample collections. In total, 242 species are presented, of which five are new records for the Israeli mycobiota, namely Australohydnum dregeanum, Ceriporiopsis consobrina, C. resinascens, Fibroporia vaillantii, and Postia inocybe. The distribution and habitat of each species in Israel are also summarized. This checklist will serve as valuable data for future species diversity studies of these fungi in Israel.