Induction of apoptosis by an ethanol extract of Poria cocos Wolf. in human leukemia U937 cells

Abstract

Poria cocos Wolf., which belongs to the Polyporaceae family, has been widely used as an Oriental traditional herbal medicine for centuries. Its sclerotium has been reported to possess a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities, including free-radical scavenging, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of apoptosis induction by P. cocos in human cancer cells are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the pro-apoptotic potential of an ethanol extract of P. cocos sclerotium (EEPC) in human leukemia U937 cells in vitro. We found that EEPC induced anti-proliferative effects in U937 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, which was due to apoptotic induction, as evident from morphological changes and flow cytometric assays. EEPC-induced apoptosis of U937 cells was associated with an increase in the Bax:Bcl-2 ratio, the release of cytochrome c to the cytosol, and a decrease in the expression of an inhibitor of the apoptosis family of proteins. The events were accompanied by activation of caspase-8, -9 and -3, and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, suggesting the involvement of both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic cascades. In addition, the overexpression of Bcl-2 caused a significant attenuation of EEPC-induced caspase activation, degradation of PARP, and the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, and thereby reversed EEPC-induced cell apoptosis and growth inhibition. Collectively, these data provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying EEPC-induced apoptosis in U937 cells, suggesting that EEPC may be a new therapeutic option for the treatment of leukemia.

Chemical composition and biological activity of extracts from fruiting bodies and mycelial cultures of Fomitopsis betulina

“…The concentration and time-dependent antiproliferative effect and pro-apoptotic effects of the examined extracts is related to the release of cytochrome C to the cytosol, activation of caspases − 3, − 8 and − 9, degradation of PARP and mitochondrial membrane potential loss. The obtained results indicate the potential of P. cocos in the treatment of leukemia [ 37 ]. A series of triterpenes with a similar inhibitory effect on the NF-κB signaling pathway has been isolated from another species, Inonotus obliquus [ 38 ].…”

Rubus Capped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Apoptosis in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

“…Previous studies reported that ethanolic extracts of medicinal plants induce apoptosis via intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. The loss of mitochondrial membrane potential is a major characteristic of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis [ 39 , 40 ]. Hence, the analysis of mitochondrial cyt c release is an important measure of apoptotic cell death.…”

“…The Bcl-2 family proteins involve pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic members. Bcl-2 proteins are vital mediators which control the mitochondrial pores to regulate cyt c release to aid in the apoptotic process [ 38 , 39 , 40 ]. The anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins help in cell survival by inhibiting the pro-apoptotic proteins [ 40 ].…”

<p>Traditional Chinese Medicine Jiuwei Zhenxin Granules in Treating Depression: An Overview</p>

“…66 It also has potential therapeutic effects for leukemia. 67 SGR has sedative and hypnotic effects, and it has obvious therapeutic value for restlessness, palpitations, and insomnia. SGR is mainly used in the treatment of depression in compounded preparations.…”