Opuntiol Inhibits Growth and Induces Apoptosis in Human Glioblastoma Cells by Upregulating Active Caspase 3 Expression

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 Department of Physiology, Dow International Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, OJHA Campus, SUPARCO Road, Karachi, Pakistan.

2 Department of Biochemistry, Dow International Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, OJHA Campus, SUPARCO Road, Karachi, Pakistan.

3 H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.

4 Department of Pathology, Dow University of Health Sciences, OJHA Campus, SUPARCO Road, Karachi, Pakistan.

5 Department of Research, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan.

6 Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), Pakistan.

7 Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, OJHA Campus, SUPARCO Road, Karachi, Pakistan.

Abstract

Background: Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a deadly tumor with poor prognosis. Resistance to apoptosis considered as an important factor in treatment failure. Therefore, identification of new compounds that facilitates apoptosis is crucial. Natural Anti-inflammatory compounds have emerged as potential anti-cancer agents and should be explored for their apoptotic activity against GBM. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate growth inhibitory and apoptotic activity of a natural anti-inflammatory compound “Opuntiol” against GBM cell line U87. Methods: MTT assay was performed to determine the effect of Temozolomide and Opuntiol on growth inhibition of U87 cell. While, TUNEL assay was used to assess their apoptotic activity. To further assess apoptosis, nuclear condensation and nuclear area factor (NAF) was evaluated through DAPI staining. Whereas, active caspase-3 protein expression determined using immunocytochemistry. Results: Significant growth inhibition was observed in U87 cells treated with Temozolomide (IC50 380 µM) and Opuntiol (IC50 357 µM). Temozolomide (p<0.001) and Opuntiol (p<0.001) significantly improved rate of apoptosis when compared to control group. A significant decrease in NAF was also observed in Temozolomide (p < 0.05) and Opuntiol (p < 0.05) treated cells. There was a significant increase in active caspase-3 expression when observed in Temozolomide (p<0.001) and Opuntiol (p<0.05) treated groups as compared to control. Conclusion: In conclusion our findings suggests, Opuntiol repress cell viability and possess strong apoptotic activity against GBM cell line U-87. However, further mechanistic studies will be required to confirm whether it can be develop as a potential drug against GBM.

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