Apoptosis induction in human hepatoma cell line HepG2 cells by trans- Anethole via activation of mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathways
Steve Harakeh, Rajaa Al‐Raddadi, Turki Alamri, Soad K. Al Jaouni, Mohammed Qari, Yousef Qari, Ajay Kumar, Hanaa Tashkandi, Mohammed Moulay, Alia Aldahlawi, Petr Sláma, Shafiul Haque
Abstract
trans-Anethole a valuable compound derived from star anise widely used by ethnic tribals to manage numerous human diseases. In this study antiproliferative activities of trans-Anethole towards human liver cancer (HepG2), cervical cancer (HeLa) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells were explored. trans-Anethole showed free radical scavenging potential as assessed by DNA nicking assay. trans-Anethole exhibited strong antiproliferative potential towards HepG2 cells compared to other cell lines. trans-Anethole strongly induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells by significantly upregulating the protein expressions of p53, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 were assessed by western blotting analysis which highlighted apoptosis-inducing capacity of trans-Anethole against HepG2 cells. Rt-qPCR analysis revealed that trans- Anethole upregulated p53, caspase - 3 and - 9 in comparison to untreated HepG2 cancer cells. Moreover, trans-Anethole provoked the generation of ROS and disruption of MMP. Our research suggests that trans-Anethole may have a significant anticancer therapeutic potential for treating liver cancer.