Caspase-induced apoptosis in leaves of Sansevieria roxburghiana.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Induction of apoptosis by caspases in the leaves of sansevieria roxburghiana schult. and schult. f.
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Deepa Philip, Kaleena P. K., Valivittan K., Florida T.
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
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Full text available for: Induction of apoptosis by caspases in the leaves of sansevieria roxburghiana schult. and schult. f.
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Cancer is a significant health concern worldwide, characterized by various forms and complications. Conventional cancer treatments often come with high costs, harmful side effects, and limitations in efficacy. As an alternative, plant-derived compounds are increasingly recognized for their potential in cancer therapy. One such plant is Sansevieria roxburghiana, known for its traditional medicinal uses, including treatment for abdominal pains and diarrhoea. This study investigates the potential use of the methanol extract of S. roxburghiana leaves in inducing apoptosis in HepG2 liver cancer cells by activating specific caspases, which are key enzymes in the apoptotic process.
Induction of Apoptosis
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a natural mechanism through which the body eliminates damaged or unnecessary cells, thereby maintaining homeostasis. It is a crucial process in the effectiveness of many anticancer therapies. Apoptosis can be triggered by two distinct pathways: the extrinsic pathway, activated by external signals, and the intrinsic pathway, initiated within the cell. The activation of apoptosis is mediated by a family of proteases known as caspases. This study aims to explore the effects of the methanol extract of S. roxburghiana on the activities of caspases, particularly caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9, which are integral to executing apoptosis in cancer cells.
Effect of Methanol Extract on Caspase Activity
The research investigated the dose-dependent effects of various concentrations of S. roxburghiana leaf extract on caspase activity in HepG2 cells. The results indicated a significant increase in the activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9, demonstrating the extract's potential to enhance apoptosis. Notably, the study found that caspase-8 did not activate in response to the treatment, suggesting that the extrinsic apoptotic pathway may not be involved in the process. The elevation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity implies that the methanol extract primarily influences the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, which plays a central role in cellular responses to damage and stress.
Molecular Mechanisms of Apoptosis
The effective regulation of apoptosis is essential for preventing cancer cell proliferation. Among caspases, caspase-3 is frequently referred to as the executioner caspase, as its activation leads to the systematic breakdown of key structural proteins in the cell. The study highlights that, upon activation, caspases cleave various intracellular proteins, leading to characteristic apoptotic changes such as chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, and cell shrinkage. The observed substantial increases in caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities signify that the methanol extract of S. roxburghiana not only triggers apoptotic signaling but also facilitates the cellular mechanisms that culminate in cell death.
Conclusion
This research concludes that the methanol extract of Sansevieria roxburghiana leaves demonstrates promising cytotoxic effects in HepG2 liver cancer cells, driven primarily by the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9. The lack of caspase-8 activity indicates that the extract induces apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway rather than the extrinsic pathway. These insights contribute to the understanding of plant-derived anticancer properties and highlight S. roxburghiana as a potential candidate for developing cost-effective and less toxic cancer therapies. Further studies may explore its mechanisms of action and potential applications in the field of oncology.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the study on Sansevieria roxburghiana?
The study investigates the induction of apoptosis in HepG2 cancer cells using the methanol extract of Sansevieria roxburghiana leaves, specifically measuring the activity of key caspases involved in the apoptotic process.
What are caspases and their role in apoptosis?
Caspases are proteases that play a crucial role in programmed cell death (apoptosis) by cleaving specific substrates, leading to cellular changes such as DNA fragmentation and membrane blebbing indicative of apoptosis.
How was the methanol extract prepared for analysis?
The fresh leaves of Sansevieria roxburghiana were washed, air-dried, pulverized, mixed with methanol, and then filtered and lyophilized to obtain a concentrated extract for testing.
What were the key findings regarding caspase activity?
The study found significant activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 in HepG2 cells treated with the methanol extract, while caspase-8 showed no activity, suggesting apoptosis was mediated through intrinsic pathways.
What implications do these findings have for cancer treatment?
These findings suggest that Sansevieria roxburghiana could serve as a potential source for developing affordable and effective anticancer treatments by inducing apoptosis specifically through caspase-3 and caspase-9 activation.
What acknowledgment did the authors include in the study?
The authors acknowledged Dr. Mujeera Fathima for plant identification and attributed gratitude to Biozone Research Technologies for providing laboratory facilities for the research.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Caspase-induced apoptosis in leaves of Sansevieria roxburghiana.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
The term 'activity' in this context refers to the biochemical processes occurring in the cells, particularly the enzymatic activities of caspases, which are crucial for the induction of apoptosis. Understanding the activity levels of these enzymes helps researchers determine the efficacy of natural compounds, like plant extracts, in promoting cancer cell death.
2) Cancer:
'Cancer' denotes a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. This study addresses various aspects related to cancer treatment, especially focusing on inducing apoptosis in cancer cells using natural compounds. Investigating plant-derived antitumor agents is essential for finding affordable and effective cancer therapies.
3) Chennai:
'Chennai' is a metropolitan city in India, serving as the location for this study. The research was conducted in institutions in Chennai, which highlights the regional focus of the research. Chennai is also a hub for scientific research and development in the fields of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
4) India:
'India' is the country where the research took place. The diverse flora of India provides numerous plants with potential medicinal properties. The study emphasizes the importance of traditional herbal remedies and their applicability in modern science, particularly in developing cost-effective treatments for diseases like cancer.
5) Death:
'Death' in this research context specifically refers to apoptosis, a programmed cell death mechanism essential for eliminating abnormal or damaged cells. Understanding how natural compounds can induce this process in cancer cells can lead to developing new therapeutic approaches to improve cancer treatment effectiveness.
6) Line:
'Line' refers to the cell line used in the experiments, specifically the HepG2 cell line, which is a model for human liver cancer. Using a specific cell line allows for controlled experimentation, making it easier to assess the effects of the methanol extract of Sansevieria roxburghiana on cancer cells.
7) Disease:
'Disease' broadly refers to any pathological condition affecting the body, with cancer being the focal point of this study. The research aims to explore plant compounds as potential treatments for such diseases, particularly emphasizing the need for alternative therapeutic options to address life-affecting conditions like cancer.
8) Zoology:
'Zoology' is the scientific study of animals and their biological properties. One of the authors comes from the Department of Zoology, indicating an interdisciplinary approach in the study. Understanding biological processes in various organisms aids in developing better methodologies for evaluating the efficacy of medicinal plants.
9) Family:
'Family' refers to the classification of organisms in biology. In this paper, it likely pertains to caspases as members of a cysteine protease family critical for apoptosis. Identifying the structural families of enzymes helps in understanding their functions and mechanisms involved in cellular processes like programmed cell death.
10) Table:
'Table' is a method of organizing data presented in the paper. The table details the results of caspase activity measurements using extracts from Sansevieria roxburghiana. This structured format allows for easy comparison of results across different concentrations and provides clear insights into the effects of the extract on cancer cells.
11) Study (Studying):
'Study' refers to the systematic investigation conducted by the authors to explore the effects of plant extracts on cancer cell lines. This research comprises experimental methodologies aimed at understanding how specific compounds induce apoptosis in cancer cells, contributing to the broader field of pharmacological research.
12) Drug:
'Drug' signifies any substance used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease. The research focuses on plant-derived compounds as potential anticancer drugs, emphasizing the exploration of natural alternatives to synthetic chemotherapeutic agents that often have severe side effects. The search for such drugs is vital for improved patient care.
13) Life:
'Life' denotes the biological processes that sustain living organisms. In the context of this study, it relates to the implications of cancer and its treatment. Understanding how natural compounds influence life processes like apoptosis is vital for developing therapies aimed at improving the quality of life for cancer patients.
14) Phytochemical:
'Phytochemical' refers to the bioactive compounds derived from plants, often responsible for various health benefits. This research highlights the significance of phytochemicals in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, supporting the idea that plant-derived substances can be effective in cancer therapy by offering a cheaper and potentially safer alternative to conventional drugs.
15) Measurement:
'Measurement' refers to the quantification of caspase activity in the study. Precise measurement is critical for determining the effectiveness of the methanol extract in inducing apoptosis. It provides the quantitative data necessary for evaluating the extract's potential as an anticancer agent and allows for comparisons with established treatments.
16) Discussion:
'Discussion' refers to the section of the research paper where authors interpret their findings and relate them to existing literature. This section is crucial for placing the results in a broader scientific context, assessing the implications of their findings, and outlining potential future research directions based on observed data.
17) Developing:
'Developing' refers to the ongoing process of creating or improving products, in this case, new anticancer drugs from natural sources. Finding effective plant-based therapies is a critical and active area of research aimed at providing patients with more effective and safer treatment options in the fight against cancer.
18) Relative:
'Relative' pertains to comparing the effects of different concentrations of the methanol extract on caspase activity. Assessing relative changes in enzyme activity helps in understanding the dose-response relationship and the potential therapeutic window for using the extract in clinical applications against cancer.
19) Science (Scientific):
'Science' denotes the systematic enterprise that builds and arranges knowledge through observation and experimentation. This study reflects the scientific approach utilized to explore the pharmacological potentials of specific plants, contributing to advancing the understanding of cancer therapies and natural compounds' role in healthcare.
20) Repair:
'Repair' in this context relates to the DNA repair mechanism that is often impaired in cancer cells. Apoptosis serves to eliminate cells with damaged DNA that can lead to uncontrolled growth. Understanding apoptosis through caspases helps inform strategies to restore normal cellular function and combat cancer progression.
21) Avadi:
'Avadi' is a locality in Chennai, India, reflecting the geographic region where part of the research was conducted. The mention of Avadi provides information on the institutional background involved in the study and underscores the regional contribution to scientific research in India.
22) Field:
'Field' refers to the area of study or research. In this paper, the focus is primarily on the field of cancer research, particularly involving natural products as sources of potential therapeutic agents. Understanding various fields of research allows for interdisciplinary approaches to complex health issues like cancer.
23) Diet:
'Diet' refers to the consumption of various food items and its potential impact on health. The study highlights the correlation between diets rich in phytochemicals from plants and reduced cancer risks, emphasizing the importance of nutrition in cancer prevention and promoting health through natural compounds.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Caspase-induced apoptosis in leaves of Sansevieria roxburghiana.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Sansevieria roxburghiana, Extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, Antitumor activity, Programmed cell death, Methanol extract, Plant specimen, Cytotoxicity, Gastrointestinal disease, DNA fragmentation, Caspase-3 activity, Caspase-3, Induction of apoptosis, Caspase activation, Chromatin condensation, HepG2 cell, Cell shrinkage, Laboratory facilities, Intrinsic apoptotic pathway, Caffeic acid phenethyl ester, Caspase-9, Mammalian cells, Novel therapeutic strategies.