Decursin induces apoptosis in glioblastoma cells, but not in glial cells via a mitochondria-related caspase pathway.

Abstract

Decursin is a major biological active component of Angelica gigas Nakai and is known to induce apoptosis of metastatic prostatic cancer cells. Recently, other reports have been commissioned to examine the anticancer activities of this plant. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory activity and related mechanism of action of decursin against glioblastoma cell line. Decursin demonstrated cytotoxic effects on U87 and C6 glioma cells in a dose-dependent manner but not in primary glial cells. Additionally, decursin increased apoptotic bodies and phosphorylated JNK and p38 in U87 cells. Decursin also down-regulated Bcl-2 as well as cell cycle dependent proteins, CDK-4 and cyclin D1. Furthermore, decursin-induced apoptosis was dependent on the caspase activation in U87 cells. Taken together, our data provide the evidence that decursin induces apoptosis in glioblastoma cells, making it a potential candidate as a chemotherapeutic drug against brain tumor.

• Authors: Seung Tack Oh, Seongmi Lee, Cai Hua, Byung-Soo Koo, Sok Cheon Pak, Dong-Il Kim, Songhee Jeon, Boo Ahn Shin
• Journal: The Korean journal of physiology & pharmacology : official journal of the Korean Physiological Society and the Korean Society of Pharmacology (Korean J Physiol Pharmacol) Vol. 23 Issue 1 Pg. 29-35 (Jan 2019) ISSN: 1226-4512 [Print] Korea (South)
• PMID: 30627007 (Publication Type: Journal Article)