Anti‑tumor effects of an aqueous extract ofEcklonia cavain BALB/cKorl syngeneic mice using colon carcinoma CT26 cells

Abstract

Ecklonia cava (E. cava) is well known as one of edible alga that contains various unique polyphenols. The anti-tumor activity of an aqueous extract of E. cava (AEC) against colon carcinoma was evaluated by analyzing the alterations in tumor growth, histopathological structure and molecular mechanisms in CT26 tumor-bearing BALB/cKorl syngeneic mice after administrating AEC for five weeks. AEC contained high total phenolic contents and demonstrated significant scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals. Marked anti-tumor effects were demonstrated in the AEC-treated CT26 cells. In the in vivo syngeneic model, the AEC treatment decreased the volume and weight of CT26 tumors, and expanded the necrotic region in the hematoxylin and eosin stained tumor sections. The inhibitory effects of AEC on tumor growth were reflected by the increased level of apoptotic proteins, inhibition of cell proliferation, suppression of metastasis ability and increase in tumor-suppressing activity in CT26 tumor-bearing BALB/cKorl syngeneic mice. The potential function of phlorotannin (PT), one of the primary active compounds in AEC, was demonstrated by the increased cytotoxicity, apoptosis and suppression of cell proliferation in PT-treated CT26 cells. Overall, the results of the present study provide novel scientific evidence that AEC can suppress the growth of CT26 colon cancer by activating apoptosis, suppressing cell proliferation, inhibiting cell migration and enhancing the tumor-suppressing activity.

The Ocean’s Pharmacy: Health Discoveries in Marine Algae

“…Algae-derived compounds and extracts with in vivo anti-cancer activity which fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this review are summarized in Table 12 (n = 4). These results followed the trends identified in the cell experiments, displaying a decrease in tumor proliferation due to a reduced migration capacity [220], angiogenesis capacity [221], inflammation [220,221] (downregulation of NF-κB), increased apoptosis (mainly through the upregulation of the MAPK pathway and an increase in the Bax/Bcl2 ratio) [220][221][222][223], and anti-tumor immunity (including an increase in leukocytes) [222]. Interestingly, dieckol [223], a phlorotannin, decreased cell tumor survival and restored skin tissue injuries while increasing antioxidant enzymes in skin cancer, adding to the debate of ROS as a therapeutic target.…”

“…In case of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma, the methanol extracts from Jania rubens and Padina pavonica additionally displayed protective effects on kidney and liver [222]. The antiproliferative activity of Ecklonia cava ethanol extract can probably be attributed to its phlorotannin content [220]. Based on these results, it seems that several algae-derived extracts, fractions, and compounds hold promising potential as anti-cancer agents, not only targeting the classical hallmarks of cancer but also demonstrating higher selectivity towards cancerous cells than healthy ones, thereby minimizing undesirable side effects.…”

ACADL-YAP axis activity in non-small cell lung cancer carcinogenicity

“…The mice were monitored and measured every 5 days, and no deaths were observed during this study. Humane endpoints were established to prevent pain or distress in mice, and euthanasia was performed when the tumor volume exceeded 4.2 cm 3 or when the mice lost more than 20% of their body weight within 1-2 weeks [34]. After 25 days of observation, the subcutaneous tumors were harvested by cervical dislocation under anesthesia with an intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg pentobarbital sodium.…”