Selectivity of action of glycyrrhizin derivatives on the growth of MCF-7 and HEP-2 cells.
Since 1986, there have been reports in the literature that glycyrrhizin (GL), 18 alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid (18 alpha-GA) and 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid (18 beta-GA) can inhibit the growth of some murine tumours. Recently, testing the activity of GL and 18 alpha-GA on human tumour cells, we observed that both substances are good anti-proliferative agents, especially on those cells whose replication rate is slow. In the present study, the MTT test was performed on MCF-7, Hep-2 and VERO cells treated with increasing concentrations of GL and of its derivatives. Results showed that the substances do not have a toxic effect on VERO cells and that their anti-proliferative effect is evident only on the cell line (MCF-7) that evolves slowly. Finally, the TUNEL test revealed the presence of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells treated with dosages of GL and 18 alpha-GA, thereby confirming that these natural phytoestrogens could be considered as interesting new agents for cancer therapy.
Rossi
Tiziana
T
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy. rossi.tiziana@unimore.it
Castelli
Mario
M
Zandomeneghi
Ginevra
G
Ruberto
Antonio
A
Benassi
Luisa
L
Magnoni
Cristina
C
Santachiara
Saverio
S
Baggio
Giosué
G
D000818:Animals; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D004354:Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; D006034:Glycyrrhetinic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019695:Glycyrrhizic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D014709:Vero Cells
D019695:Glycyrrhizic Acid; D006034:Glycyrrhetinic Acid