Anti-proliferation and induction of apoptosis by extract of Turbinaria conoides (J. Agardh) K tzing on human cervical cancer cell line

Abstract

Introduction : Several types of brown seaweeds have shown to suppress cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and arresting the cell cycle. The brown seaweed from the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand may have potential effects on cervical cancer as well as ability to induce apoptosis.

Objective : To study the anti-proliferative effect and induction of apoptosis by Turbinaria conoides (J. Agardh) K tzing (TCK) on human cervical cancer cell line.

Setting : Burapha University

Research design : An in vitro study

Target Population : Human cervical cancer cell line (Hela).

Method : Fresh samples of Turbinaria conoides (J. Agardh) K tzing (TCK) were extracted and treated HeLa cells. The viable cell number is based on MTT colorimetric assay. The morphology of apoptotic nuclei were quantified by staining both DAPI and propidium iodide (PI). DNA agarose gel electrophoresis was used for qualitative analysis.

Result : The extract of TCK inhibited viable HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 of 20.92 ± 3.15 μg/ml associated with rounding and blebbing cells. The apoptotic nuclei in TCK-treated cells were 34.92 ± 7.29% (early apoptosis) and 19.56 ± 6.34% (late apoptosis) compared to those in normal cells (45.42 ± 5.97%). In addition, the DNA fragmentation in agarose gel was observed in a dosedependent manner.

Conclusion : The TCK extract induced cell death via morphological and biochemical events with particular reference to the induction of apoptosis that may have a major impact on the therapy of cancer. Further investigation is needed to confirm and elucidate detailed mechanisms underlying the apoptosis.