Abstract
The resin of Dracaena cinnabari Balf. f. has demonstrated antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidative, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which presents some proof for its effectiveness in traditional use. Despite the broad health benefits of Dracaena cinnabari, few research has been conducted on its anti-tumour effect. We have previously shown that Dracaena cinnabari Balf. f methanolic extract (DCBME) induces apoptotic cell death in human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line and significantly reduces its migration capacity. The anti-tumour potential and mechanism of action of DCBME in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) have not yet been elucidated. In our recent paper, we showed the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and the induction of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway through caspase 3/7 activation. In the present study, we aim to investigate the effect of DCBME on proliferation, morphological changes, cell death, cell cycle arrest and cell migration of NPC cells. NPC cells (C666-1 and HK-1) were treated with DCBME and the mechanism underlying its anti-tumour effect was explored by examining cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis and cell migration using MTT assay, phase-contrast and fluorescence microscopy, propidium iodide staining, DNA fragmentation and wound healing assays. DCBME significantly inhibited NPC cell proliferation in a time and dose-dependent manner. It induced marked apoptotic morphological changes, apoptotic DNA laddering and S and/or G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest. DCBME also inhibited the migration of NPC cells. Together with our previously reported anti-tumour effect of DCBME, the findings suggest that DCBME deserves further investigation as a promising anti-tumour agent for human Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma cells therapy.
Published Version
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