The photoreceptor protector zeaxanthin induces cell death in neuroblastoma cells.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The dietary carotenoid zeaxanthin protects against age-related eye disease by preventing apoptosis in photoreceptor cells. This study examined the effect of zeaxanthin on neuroblastoma cells in which apoptosis can be induced with lipid peroxidation products. Since zeaxanthin can inhibit lipid peroxidation and beta-carotene inhibits lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, it was of concern that zeaxanthin might inhibit apoptosis in these cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Apoptosis-resistant CHP100 neuroblastoma cells were treated with zeaxanthin. Apoptosis was assessed via an immunoassay for histone-associated DNA fragments and cytofluorimetric analysis of apoptotic body formation. The effect of zeaxanthin on the activity of two model LOXs and LOX-mediated lipid peroxidation in liposomes was assessed.

RESULTS:

Zeaxanthin strongly induced apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells. Consistent with this finding, zeaxanthin did not inhibit LOX activity.

CONCLUSION:

Zeaxanthin is a remarkable dietary factor that is able to induce apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells while being able to prevent apoptosis in healthy cells.

• Authors: Mauro Maccarrone, Monica Bari, Valeria Gasperi, Barbara Demmig-Adams
• Journal: Anticancer research (Anticancer Res) 2005 Nov-Dec Vol. 25 Issue 6B Pg. 3871-6 ISSN: 0250-7005 [Print] Greece
• PMID: 16309173 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Xanthophylls
• Zeaxanthins
• beta Carotene
• Lipoxygenase
• Arachidonate 15-Lipoxygenase
• Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase

Topics

• Apoptosis (drug effects)
• Arachidonate 15-Lipoxygenase (metabolism)
• Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase (metabolism)
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Humans
• Lipoxygenase (metabolism)
• Neuroblastoma (drug therapy, enzymology, pathology)
• Xanthophylls
• Zeaxanthins
• beta Carotene (analogs & derivatives, pharmacology)