Cytotoxic and Antiproliferative Activity of Polyisoprenoids in Seventeen Mangroves Species Against WiDr Colon Cancer Cells

Abstract

Background: Secondary metabolites from the group of isoprenoid compounds are widely distributed in mangrove<br />plants. Polyisoprenoids (dolichol and polyprenol) are known to have benefits as anticancer agents. The present study<br />was conducted to determine the cytotoxic potential of polyisoprenoids in leaves from seventeen selected mangrove<br />species against colon cancer (WiDr) cells. Methods: Cytotoxic activity was evaluated by MTT assay in vitro using<br />WiDr human colon cancer cells and 3T3 fibroblasts from Swiss albino mouse embryo tissue as controls. Mechanisms<br />of action were approached by assessing apoptosis and the cell cycle using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy<br />with annexin V-FITC, as well as expression of Bcl-2 and cyclin D1 by immunocytochemistry. Results: Polyisoprenoids<br />from N. fruticans leaves demonstrated the highest anticancer activity, with an IC50 of 180.2 μg/mL, as compared to<br />397.7 μg/mL against 3T3 normal cells. Significant decrease in the expression of Bcl-2 and cyclin D1 was also noted,<br />facilitating apoptosis and arrest of the cell cycle in the G0-G1 phase in WiDr cells. The present study showed for the<br />first time that polyisoprenoids from N. fruticans exhibit concrete anticancer activity in vitro, decreasing cell proliferation<br />and inducing apoptosis in colon cancer cells. Conclusions: Polyisoprenoids isolated from N. fruticans leaves may have<br />promise as a source of anticancer agents.