Induction of apoptosis and mechanism of MDA-MB-231 cells by water extract of dandelion root / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

Aim: To discuss the effects of water extract of dandelion root on the proliferation and apoptosis of human triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and its mechanism. Methods: In this study, the cytotoxicity of dandelion root extract and the inhibition of MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation were detected by Alamar Blue method. Effects of water extracts of dandelion root on apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells were assessed by morphological observation, DAPI staining and flow cytometry; The mechanism of dandelion root water extract induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells was analysed by Western blot. Results: Extracts from various parts of dandelion were not cytotoxic; furthermore, 7.5 and 15 g · L-1 water extract of dandelion significantly inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells, and the cells showed obvious apoptotic characteristics. Flow cytometry further confirmed the aqueous extract of dandelion root could induce the apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells. In terms of molecular mechanism, the water extract of dandelion root decreased the expression of Bcl-2 protein in a concentration-dependent manner, while the expressions of Bax, p53, active c-PARP, caspase-8, caspase-9 and caspase-3 increased. Caspase-8 inhibitor (Z-IETD-FMK) and caspase-9 inhibitor (Z-LEHD-FMK) were able to reverse the proliferation inhibitory activity of dandelion water extract on MDA-MB-231 cells. Conclusions: The water extract of dandelion has a significant inhibitory effect on human triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells, pointing to its potential clinical application value for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer.