Abstract
Lentinula edodes mycelia (L.E.M.) is a dried powder extracted from shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes). We previously demonstrated that it has immunomodulatory effects. In this paper, the direct cytotoxic effects of the polysaccharide-rich fraction of L.E.M. (L.E.M. ethanol precipitate; LEP) on HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells were investigated. LEP directly killed the HepG2 cells efficaciously, but had only minor effects on normal rat hepatocytes and normal mouse dermal cells under the same conditions. Characteristic morphological changes associated with apoptosis such as shrinkage, rounding, and floating as well as chromatin condensation were confirmed; terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining was positive as determined by fluorescence microscopy analyses. The caspase-3 and -8 death receptor pathway was found largely responsible for the apoptotic death of HepG2 cells treated with LEP. In conclusion, LEP can directly induce apoptosis of HepG2 cells, and thus may have potential chemotherapeutic applications for the treatment of HCC.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.