DIFFERENTIATED AND PROLIFERATING HUMAN INTESTINAL CELL LINE CACO2: DIFFERENCE IN ACTIVITY OF ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES AND THEIR MODULATION BY SELECTED SESQUITERPENES

Abstract

The Caco2 cell line serves as model of colorectal cancer. Moreover, these cells can undergo spontaneous differentiation leading to formation of cells with characteristics of mature enterocytes. Thus, Caco2 cell line can be used either as cancer model or intestinal barrier (proliferating vs. differentiated cells). Our study tested the differences in activity of antioxidant enzymes between proliferating and differentiated Caco2 cells. Additionally, we studied the effect of potential anticancer agents - sesquiterpenes on these enzymes in both cell types. Proliferating and differentiated cells were incubated with Myrica rubra essential oil and its 2 substantial sesquiterpene components a-humulene and trans-nerolidol (25 µg/ml) for 48 hours. Glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase activities were lower in proliferating (cancerous) cells than in differentiated (normal) ones. From sesquiterpenes, trans-nerolidol was the only enzymatic modulator. It increased glutathione S-transferase activity in proliferating and differentiated Caco2, while superoxide dismutase activity only in proliferating cells in comparison to corresponding controls. Diminished antioxidant enzymes activity in proliferating cells causes higher vulnerability of cancerous cells to oxidative stress. As sesquiterpenes have not decreased antioxidant enzymes activity, another anticancer mechanism can be expected, e. g. reactive oxygen species production.