Zerumbone might have a chemotherapeutic effect on human melanoma cells through mitochondria-mediated pathways. - GreenMedInfo Summary
Chemotherapeutic effect of Zerumbone on melanoma cells through mitochondria-mediated pathways.
Clin Exp Dermatol. 2016 Dec ;41(8):858-863. Epub 2016 Oct 19. PMID: 27759171
S D Wang
BACKGROUND: Zerumbone (ZER) is a phytochemical that appears to regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis. It has been reported to have an anti-tumour effect in various malignant cells; however, the effect and the mechanism of ZER on melanoma cells needs to be clarified.
AIM: To explore whether ZER has an effect on human melanoma cells and to identify the mechanisms involved.
METHODS: We determined the chemotherapeutic action of ZER on the human malignant melanoma (MM) A375 cell line by CCK-8 immunohistochemistry, Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry analysis. We also investigated the signalling pathways by which ZER induces apoptosis in A375 cells, using western blotting, reverse transcription PCR and caspase-3 activity analysis.
RESULTS: ZER induced significant cytotoxic action in A375 cells. Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry apoptosis analysis further demonstrated that ZER induced apoptosis in A375 cells. Treatment with ZER downregulated Bcl-2 gene and protein levels, upregulated Bax and Cytochrome c gene and protein levels, and activated Caspase-3.
CONCLUSIONS: ZER might have a chemotherapeutic effect on human melanoma cells through mitochondria-mediated pathways.