Juniperus indica Bertol. extract synergized with cisplatin against melanoma cells via the suppression of AKT/mTOR and MAPK signaling and induction of cell apoptosis.

Abstract

Juniperus indica Bertol. is an herbal plant that belongs to the genus Juniperus, which is commonly used in traditional medicine to refresh the mind and for diuretic use. However, few studies have reported the function of J. indica Bertol. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor and synergistic potential of J. indica Bertol. extract (JIB extract) for melanoma cells. Our results indicated the anti-melanoma activity of JIB extract. JIB extract induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and decreased cyclin and cdk protein expressions. In addition, AKT/mTOR signaling and MAPK signaling were inhibited by JIB extract to suppress melanoma cell growth and proliferation. Additionally, JIB extract induced B16/F10 cell apoptosis via the caspase cascade. According to the JIB extract's anti-melanoma capacity, to assess the synergistic effects of cisplatin and JIB extract. The results demonstrated that JIB extract combined with cisplatin enhanced the inhibition of cell growth, proliferation, and survival through the obstruction of cell cycle progression and AKT/mTOR and MAPK signaling as well as the induction of cell apoptosis. Collectively, our results indicate that JIB extract showed anti-tumor effects and synergized with cisplatin against B16/F10 cells, indicating the possibility of JIB extract to be developed as adjuvant therapy for melanoma.

• Authors: Xiao-Fan Huang, Hong-Wei Gao, Shan-Chih Lee, Kai-Fu Chang, Li-Ting Tang, Nu-Man Tsai
• Journal: International journal of medical sciences (Int J Med Sci) Vol. 18 Issue 1 Pg. 157-168 ( 2021) ISSN: 1449-1907 [Electronic] Australia
• PMID: 33390784 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © The author(s).

Chemical References

• Plant Extracts
• mTOR protein, mouse
• Akt1 protein, mouse
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
• TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
• Cisplatin

Topics

• Animals
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Apoptosis (drug effects)
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Cell Proliferation (drug effects)
• Cisplatin (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Dogs
• Drug Synergism
• G1 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints (drug effects)
• Humans
• Juniperus (chemistry)
• MAP Kinase Signaling System (drug effects)
• Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells
• Melanoma (drug therapy, pathology)
• Mice
• Plant Extracts (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt (metabolism)
• Signal Transduction (drug effects)
• Skin Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases (metabolism)