Proapoptotic and anticarcinogenic activities of leviusculoside G from the starfish Henricia leviuscula and probable molecular mechanism

Abstract

Proapoptotic and anticarcinogenic properties of leviusculoside G (LSG) isolated from the starfish Henricia leviuscula and a probable mechanism of these effects were investigated in human leukemia HL-60, THP-1, and mouse skin JB6 Cl41 cells, using a variety of assessments, including a cell viability (MTS) assay, flow cytometry, anchorage-independent soft agar assay, luciferase assay, and western-blotting. Application of LSG at nontoxic doses induced apoptosis in cancer cells and decreased cell transformation. This compound exerted its actions, at least in part, through the induction of p53-dependent apoptosis and inhibition of AP-1, NF-κB, and ERKs activities.