Apoptosis induction in breast cancer cells by cowanin

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is a common cancer occurs in women worldwide. In Thailand and United States, it is the first and second leading cause of cancer-related death among females, respectively. Therefore, a novel bioactive compound with high selectivity for cancer cell death is important in cancer research. Objective: To investigate the effect of cowanin on anti-proliferation and apoptosis induction of breast cancer cell, MDA-MB-468. Material and Method: MTT assay was used for cell proliferation and viability assay. Nuclear morphological changes and mitochondrial membrane potential was determined by Hoechst 33342 staining and JC-1 staining, respectively. Results: Cowanin showed anti-proliferation and cell viability reduction in MDA-MB-468 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner with IC50 value of 16.27+0.88 μg/mL. Furthermore, cowanin induced chromatin condensation, apoptotic bodies and mitochondrial membrane dysfunction in MDA-MB-468 cells. Conclusion: Cowanin showed anti-proliferation and apoptosis induction in MDA-MB-468 cells. These results are basic knowledge for developing the chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer in the future. © 2017 Medical Association of Thailand. All rights reserved.