Capsaicin induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human KB cancer cells

Abstract

BackgroundCapsaicin, a pungent phytochemical in a variety of red peppers of the genus Capsicum, has shown an anti-proliferative effect on various human cancer cell lines. In contrast, capsaicin has also been considered to promote the growth of cancer cells. Thus, the effects of capsaicin on various cell types need to be explored. The anti-proliferative effects of capsaicin on human KB cancer cells are still unknown. Therefore, we examined the viability, cell cycle progression, and factors associated with apoptosis in KB cells treated with capsaicin.MethodsThe cell proliferation/viability and cytotoxicity of KB cells exposed to capsaicin were determined by a sulforhodamine B colorimetric assay and trypan blue exclusion. Apoptosis was detected by Hoechst staining and confirmed by western blot analysis of poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Cell cycle distribution and changes of the mitochondrial membrane potential were analyzed by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the expression of caspase 3, 8 and 9 was evaluated by immunoblotting.ResultsWe found that treatment of KB cells with capsaicin significantly reduced cell proliferation/viability and induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner compared with that in the untreated control. Cell cycle analysis indicated that exposure of KB cells to capsaicin resulted in cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. Capsaicin-induced growth inhibition of KB cells appeared to be associated with induction of apoptosis. Moreover, capsaicin induced disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential as well as activation of caspase 9, 3 and poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase in KB cells.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that capsaicin modulates cell cycle progression and induces apoptosis in human KB cancer cells through mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and caspase activation. These observations suggest an anti-cancer activity of capsaicin.

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“…Lin CH et al, (2013) found that treatment of KB cells with capsaicin significantly reduced cell proliferation/ viability and induced cell death in a dosedependent manner. Cell cycle analysis indicated that exposure of KB cells to capsaicin resulted in cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase 43 . Capsicum was also reported to be effective against gastric cancer by inducing apoptosis and modulates MAPK signaling [44][45] .…”

“…It also enhances apoptotic effects by activating the calciumCaMKII-Sp1 pathway on Hep3B cell lines 38 . Human nasopharyngeal carcinoma was recovered by capsicum studied on NPC-TW 039 cell lines by inducing G0/G1 phase arrest, apoptosis and increased cytosolic Ca2+ level 43 . Lin CH et al, (2013) found that treatment of KB cells with capsaicin significantly reduced cell proliferation/ viability and induced cell death in a dosedependent manner.…”

“…Human nasopharyngeal carcinoma was recovered by capsicum studied on NPC-TW 039 cell lines by inducing G0/G1 phase arrest, apoptosis and increased cytosolic Ca2+ level 43 . Lin CH et al, (2013) found that treatment of KB cells with capsaicin significantly reduced cell proliferation/ viability and induced cell death in a dosedependent manner. Cell cycle analysis indicated that exposure of KB cells to capsaicin resulted in cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase 43 .…”

Histone deacetylase inhibitory activity of hydroxycapsaicin, a synthetic derivative of capsaicin, and its cytotoxic effects against human colon cancer cell lines

“…Capsaicin inhibited the growth of several cancer cells via induction of both apoptosis (Lin et al, 2013;Jin et al, 2014) and autophagy (Oh and Lim, 2009;Choi et al, 2010b). However, cancer cell death via apoptosis induction is more preferable in cancer therapy due to the cytoprotective role of autophagy (Vazquez-Martin et al, 2009;Dalby et al, 2010).…”

Dietary, anticancer and medicinal properties of the phytochemicals in chili pepper (<em>Capsicum spp.</em>)

“…The ROS have been shown to disrupt the mitochondrial membrane and induce apoptosis pathways in pancreatic cancer cells (Zhang et al, 2008). Capsaicin triggered the apoptosis pathway in human KB cancer cells (derived from HeLa cell line) by agitating the membrane potential of mitochondria and subsequently activating the caspase signaling pathway (Lin et al, 2013). However, capsaicin could also inhibit NF-ĸB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) pathway which can cause apoptosis and minimize carcinogenic effects (Han et al, 2001;Patel et al, 2002).…”