In vitro antiproliferative effect and induction of apoptosis by Retama monosperma L. extract in human cervical cancer cells

Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand). 2011 Oct 15:57 Suppl:OL1581-91. doi: 10.5772/30025.

Abstract

The antiproliferative effect of different extracts obtained from Retama monosperma L. was investigated on human SiHa and HeLa cervical cancer cell lines using a MTT colorimetric assay. The Retama monosperma L. dichloromethane fraction (Rm-DF) was the most active extract, exhibiting a significant cytotoxic activity on both cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, after 72 h of treatment. IC50 values obtained were 14.57 ± 4.15 μg/ml and 21.33 ± 7.88 μg/ml, for SiHa and HeLa cell lines respectively. The morphological features assessment of apoptosis in Rm-DF-treated cells showed a condensation of chromatin and apoptotic bodies, accompanied by a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and an increase in reactive oxygen species in both cell lines. The induction of apoptosis was further confirmed by Western blotting pro-caspase 3, Bcl2 and PARP; caspase 3 activity assay; and Annexin V labelling. Analysis of Rm-DF by CG/MS revealed the presence of five known quinolizidine alkaloids as well as, sparteine (10,97%), L-methyl cytisine (9.11%), 17-oxosparteine (3.49%), lupanine (0.93%) and anagyrine (39.63%). This study shows that Retama monosperma L. extract exhibits a potential anticancer activity against cervical cancer cell lines in vitro through the inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis, which may involve a mitochondria-mediated signaling pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / isolation & purification
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Fabaceae / chemistry*
  • Female
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Plant Extracts / isolation & purification
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Plant Extracts