Proapoptotic Ginsenosides Compound K and Rh2 Enhance Fas-induced Cell Death of Human Astrocytoma Cells Through Distinct Apoptotic Signaling Pathways.
- Author:
Kyungsun CHOI
1
;
Chulhee CHOI
Author Information
1. Laboratory of Computational Cell Biology, Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Korea. cchoi@kaist.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Apoptosis;
Ginsenoside;
Fas;
Reactive oxygen species;
Astrocytoma
- MeSH:
Apoptosis;
Astrocytes;
Astrocytoma;
Brain Neoplasms;
Cell Death;
Fas Ligand Protein;
Ginsenosides;
Humans;
Prognosis;
Reactive Oxygen Species
- From:Cancer Research and Treatment
2009;41(1):36-44
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Malignant astrocytomas are among the commonest primary brain tumors and they have a grave prognosis, and so there is an urgent need to develop effective treatment. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the anti-tumor effect of ginsenosides on human astrocytoma cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We tested 13 different ginsenosides for their anti-tumor effect on human malignant astrocytoma cells in conjunction with Fas stimulation. In addition, the cell signaling pathways were explored by using pharmacological inhibitors and performing immunoblot analysis. DCF-DA staining and antioxidant experiments were performed to investigate the role of reactive oxygen species as one of the apoptosis-inducing mechanisms. RESULTS: Among the 13 different ginsenoside metabolites, compound K and Rh2 induced apoptotic cell death of the astrocytoma cells in a caspase- and p38 MAPK-dependent manner, yet the same treatment had no cytotoxic effect on the primary cultured human astrocytes. Combined treatment with ginsenosides and Fas ligand showed a synergistic cytotoxic effect, which was mediated by the reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that ginsenoside metabolites in combination with Fas ligand may provide a new strategy to treat malignant astrocytomas, which are tumors that are quite resistant to conventional anti-cancer treatment.
