Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi induces caspase-dependent apoptosis via mitogen activated protein kinase activation and the generation of reactive oxygen species signaling pathways in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Abstract

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi extract (SBGE) is used in traditional herbal medicine and has also been used clinically to ameliorate the symptoms of various inflammatory diseases and cancer. In women, breast cancer is one of the most common diseases and numerous women succumb to it. The present study was undertaken to investigate the mechanism responsible for the SBGE‑induced apoptosis of MCF‑7 human breast cancer cells. SBGE was administered to cells at concentrations between 100 and 500 mg/ml, and cell viabilities were identified using an MTT assay. B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 X‑associated protein (Bax) family members were identified by western blotting, and the mRNA expression levels of the pro‑apoptosis genes Fas, Fas ligand (FasL) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α were assessed by reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction. It was identified that SBGE treatment for 24 h inhibited MCF‑7 proliferation and increased the sub‑G1 phase ratio. SBGE suppressed mitochondrial membrane potentials and SBGE‑induced apoptotic cell death was identified to be associated with downregulation of Bcl‑2, but upregulation of Bax. SBGE‑activated caspases 3 and 9, and increased reactive oxygen species generation. However, SBGE had no effect on the expression levels of Fas, FasL or TNF‑α. Furthermore, mitogen‑activated protein kinase and C‑Jun N‑terminal kinase inhibitors inhibited SBGE‑induced cell death. These results suggested that SBGE be considered as an agent for the treatment of breast cancer.

Protective Effects of Baicalin on Arsenic Trioxide-induced Oxidative Damage and Apoptosis in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

“…roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and is reported to have a series of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-human immunodeficiency virus and antitumor properties (17,(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27). However, to our knowledge, it has never been studied whether it may protect from arsenic toxicity.…”

Polyphenols of Chinese skullcap roots: from chemical profiles to anticancer effects

“… 53 Park's another research suggested that SBGE should be considered as an effective agent to inhibit the growth of breast cancer. 54 SBGE significantly induced the apoptosis of human breast cancer cells MCF-7 in the concentration range from 100 to 500 mg mL −1 . The 24 h treatment of SBGE for MCF-7 caused the inhibition of cell proliferation and increased the sub-G1 phase ratio.…”

Applications, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetics, toxicity of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. and its probably potential therapeutic effects on COVID-19: a review

“…It could reduce the expression of cyclin B1 and D1 by inhibiting protein synthesis and activation via proteasome degradation and inhibit the expression and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA. SBE can inhibit the proliferation of MCF-7 by inhibiting mitochondrial membrane potential, down-regulating Bcl-2/Bax [ 93 ]. SBE could downregulate the expression of caspase family members (e.g.…”