Effects of 17beta-estradiol administration on apoptosis and polyamine content in AGS cell line.
BACKGROUND
Estrogens and polyamines seem to play an important role not only in cell growth and differentiation, but also in programmed cell death. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of 17beta-estradiol supplementation on apoptosis as well as on the polyamine content of an ER-positive human gastric cancer cell line (AGS).


METHODS
Apoptosis was investigated by evaluating DNA fragmentation, using enzyme immunoassay and agarose gel electrophoresis and the phosphatidylserine exposure by flow cytometry analysis. Polyamine levels were evaluated by HPLC.


RESULTS
17Beta-estradiol gave rise to a marked pro-apoptotic effect at concentrations of 16 microM or higher compared to the control. Moreover, the hormone significantly reduced the contents of polyamines compared to control cells. The apoptotic effect of 17beta-estradiol was partially counteracted by exogenous spermine administration.


CONCLUSIONS
17Beta-estradiol administration induces apoptosis in AGS cells. Further, an increase in cell sensitivity to apoptosis due to a decline in the polyamine content may be suggested.
Pricci
M
M
Laboratory of Biochemistry, Scientific Institute for Digestive Diseases-IRCCS Saverio de Bellis, Bari, Italy.
Linsalata
M
M
Russo
F
F
Messa
C
C
Amati
L
L
Caradonna
L
L
Jirillo
E
E
Di Leo
A
A
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D015317:Biogenic Polyamines / Q000378:metabolism*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000096:biosynthesis; D013096:Spermine / Q000494:pharmacology; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D015317:Biogenic Polyamines; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D013096:Spermine; D004958:Estradiol