Effect of p-hydroxylcinnamaldehyde on differentiation of melanoma cells and its mechanism / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the monomer compounds in the seeds of Momrodica cochinchinensis and to study the differentiation of mouse melanoma B16 cells induced by p-hydroxylcinnamaldehyde (PHC). Methods: After being treated by five kinds of compounds [PHC, coniferylaldehyde, p-hydroxylbenzaldehyde (PHB), 3-O-methoxyaniline-p-hydroxylbenzaldehyde, and ligballinol] for 48 h, the inhibitory rate of B16 cell growth was measured by sulforhadamine B (SRB); Morphological changes of B16 cells induced by PHC for 24, 48, and 72 h were observed by Giemsa staining and phase contrast microscope; Melanin content and the activity of tyrosinase in B16 cells 48 h after the administration were assessed by colorimeter. The expression of tyrosinase mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. Results: All the five compounds had the inhibitory effect on the B16 cells. Among them, PHC showed the strongest effect in the dose-and time-dependent manner; PHC could induce B16 cells dendritic growth 48 h after the treatment, and the morphological changes were typically differentiated; PHC also increased the melanin production and the activity of tyrosinase. There was a significant difference compared to the control group (P < 0.05). After treated by PHC for 6, 12, and 24 h, the expression levels of tyrosinase mRNA, tyrosinase 1 mRNA, and tyrosinase 2 mRNA were significantly increased (P < 0.01) in a time-dependent manner. Conclusion: PHC could inhibit the proliferation of B16 cells and the mechanism is related to the differentiation of B16 cells.