Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction by Juniperus communis extract in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through activation of p53‐induced apoptosis pathway

Food Science & Nutrition

Chia‐Yu Li¹  Shan‐Chih Lee²  Kai‐Fu Chang³  Xiao‐Fan Huang³  Ming‐Chang Hsieh³  Nu‐Man Tsai³  Wen‐Lin Lai³  Peng‐Yun Hung³  Chi‐Pin Lee⁴ 

[1] Department of Life‐and‐Death Studies Nanhua University Chiayi Taiwan;Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences Chung Shan Medical University Taichung Taiwan;Department of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology Chung Shan Medical University Taichung Taiwan;Division of Cardiology Department of Internal Medicine Distmanson Medical Foundation Chia‐Yi Christian Hospital Chia‐Yi Taiwan;

关键词: apoptosis;    cell cycle;    esophageal squamous cell carcinoma;    Juniperus communis;    synergistic effect;   

DOI  :  10.1002/fsn3.2084

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common cancers. It has a high mortality rate and requires novel effective drugs and therapeutic approaches. Juniperus communis (JCo), used to flavor gin and food, has been documented to have anti‐tumor activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor activity of JCo extract against ESCC and its possible mechanisms. JCo extract suppressed cell growth in ESCC and showed higher selection for ESCC cells than normal cells compared to the clinical drug 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). JCo extract induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase by regulating the expression of p53/p21 and CDKs/cyclins, triggering cell apoptosis by activating both the extrinsic (Fas/FasL/Caspase 8) and intrinsic (Bcl‐2/Bax/Caspase 9) apoptosis pathways. Moreover, a combination treatment of JCo and 5‐FU synergistically inhibited proliferation of ESCC cells. These results suggest that JCo extract is a potential natural therapeutic agent for esophageal cancer, as it could induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in ESCC cells.

【 授权许可】

Unknown