Induction of Apoptotic Mechanism by Streblus Asper Root Extract on Cervical Cancer Using in Vitro and in Vivo Models.
Muhammad Nabil1,2
, Azman Seeni1, Wan Ismahanisa Ismail2, Nurhidayah Ab. Rahim2 and Syarifah Masyitah Habib Dzulkarnain21Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
2Faculty of Health Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, Kampus Bertam, 13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Corresponding Author E-mail: nabilfikrimail@gmail.com
Abstract: Cervical cancer has been ranked as the third most common cancer among women worldwide. As an alternative to existing preventive and treatment measures, natural plants have been seen to carry potential therapeutic value against cancers. These include Streblus asper which proved to possess anti-cancer effects on several types of cancer. In the present study, we observed that S.asper is able to induce apoptosis on cervical cancer cells through the regulation of several apoptotic proteins. This analysis was performed using both in vitro and in vivo models. The protein expression was analysed using antibody array, 28 protein markers were found differentially expressed in both study models. Based on these findings, we propose that S.asper induces apoptosis on cervical cancer cells through TNF signaling which in turn triggers the activation of SMAC pathway and blockage of NF-κB cascade. It is also suggested that the apoptosis inducement is assisted by the HSP60 downregulation which subsequently results in p53 activation and survivin down-expression. Our study provides a preliminary understanding on selective apoptotic mechanism induced by S.asper on cervical cancer.
Keywords: Anti-cancer; Apoptosis; Cervical cancer; Natural plant; Streblus asper; Tumour Necrosis Factor Back to TOC