Heterofucan from Sargassum filipendula Induces Apoptosis in HeLa Cells
2011

Heterofucan from Sargassum filipendula Induces Apoptosis in HeLa Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Costa Leandro Silva, Telles Cinthia Beatrice Silva, Oliveira Ruth Medeiros, Nobre Leonardo Thiago Duarte Barreto, Dantas-Santos Nednaldo, Camara Rafael Barros Gomes, Costa Mariana Santana Santos Pereira, Almeida-Lima Jailma, Melo-Silveira Raniere Fagundes, Albuquerque Ivan Rui Lopes, Leite Edda Lisboa, Rocha Hugo Alexandre Oliveira

Primary Institution: Laboratory of Biotechnology of Natural Polymers (BIOPOL), Departament of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal-RN, Brazil

Hypothesis

The primary objective of this study was to determine the relevant mechanisms for an antiproliferative effect of the heterofucan SF-1.5v.

Conclusion

Heterofucan SF-1.5v induces apoptosis in HeLa cells mainly by releasing apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) from mitochondria into the cytosol.

Supporting Evidence

  • SF-1.5v showed antiproliferative activity on HeLa cells.
  • SF-1.5v induced apoptosis without activating caspases.
  • SF-1.5v decreased Bcl-2 expression and increased Bax expression.

Takeaway

A substance from seaweed can help kill cancer cells by making them self-destruct in a special way that doesn't involve the usual cell death processes.

Methodology

The study involved extracting heterofucan SF-1.5v from Sargassum filipendula and testing its effects on HeLa cells through various assays including MTT and annexin V/PI staining.

Limitations

The study does not explore the effects of SF-1.5v on other cancer cell lines or its potential side effects.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/md9040603

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