Abstract
Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile is a marine plant with interesting biological properties potentially ascribed to the synergistic combination of bioactive compounds. Our previously described extract, obtained from the leaves of P. oceanica, showed the ability to impair HT1080 cell migration by targeting both expression and activity of gelatinases. Commonly, the lack of knowledge about the mechanism of action of phytocomplexes may be an obstacle regarding their therapeutic use and development. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the molecular signaling through which such bioactive compounds impact on malignant cell migration and gelatinolytic activity. The increase in autophagic vacuoles detected by confocal microscopy suggested an enhancement of autophagy in a time and dose dependent manner. This autophagy activation was further confirmed by monitoring pivotal markers of autophagy signaling as well as by evidencing an increase in IGF-1R accumulation on cell membranes. Taken together, our results confirm that the P. oceanica phytocomplex is a promising reservoir of potent and cell safe molecules able to defend against malignancies and other diseases in which gelatinases play a major role in progression. In conclusion, the attractive properties of this phytocomplex may be of industrial interest in regard to the development of novel health-promoting and pharmacological products for the treatment or prevention of several diseases.
Highlights
The angiosperm Posidonia (P.) oceanica (L.) Delile is a sea-grass widely distributed in the Mediterranean Sea forming dense underwater meadows that cover tens to thousands of square kilometres
We further investigated the relationship between P.oceanica oceanicaextract extract (POE)-induced autophagy and its effect on cell migration by adding chloroquine, which blocks lysosome acidification, i.e., the last step of the autophagy process
We evaluated the contribution of autophagy to the previously demonstrated reduction of cell migration after POE treatment [3]
Summary
The angiosperm Posidonia (P.) oceanica (L.) Delile is a sea-grass widely distributed in the Mediterranean Sea forming dense underwater meadows that cover tens to thousands of square kilometres. In the sea coast of Western Anatolia, the decoction of P. oceanica leaves became an herbal preparation used for diabetes mellitus and hypertension remedies. The antidiabetic and vasoprotective properties of a P. oceanica extract have been confirmed in treated alloxan diabetic rats [1]. Mar. Drugs 2018, 16, 137; doi:10.3390/md16040137 www.mdpi.com/journal/marinedrugs.
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