Abstract
Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer in women and has a high mortality rate. Cisplatin, an antitumor agent, is generally used for its treatment. However, the administration of cisplatin is associated with side effects and intrinsic resistance. Morinda citrifolia (Noni), a natural plant product, has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. In this study, we used Noni, cisplatin, and the two in combination to study their cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing effects in cervical cancer HeLa and SiHa cell lines. We demonstrate here, that Noni/Cisplatin by themselves and their combination were able to induce apoptosis in both these cell lines. Cisplatin showed slightly higher cell killing as compared to Noni and their combination showed additive effects. The observed apoptosis appeared to be mediated particularly through the up-regulation of p53 and pro-apoptotic Bax proteins, as well as down- regulation of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, Bcl-XL proteins and survivin. Augmentation in the activity of caspase-9 and -3 was also observed, suggesting the involvement of the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis for both Noni and Cisplatin in HeLa and SiHa cell lines.
Highlights
Cervical cancer is a major health problem worldwide and is the most frequent cause of cancer in women in India (Jemal et al, 2011; Pathak et al, 2012)
CP, and their combination (N+CP) at the above-mentioned doses resulted in 22.8%, 26.4%, and 51.2% apoptosis respectively in HeLa cells, whereas its control showed 4.2% apoptosis; and 22.2%, 32%, and 53.1% apoptosis respectively in SiHa cells, whereas its control showed 3.3% apoptosis (Figure 2)
Fruit juice derived from the plant Morinda citrifolia, is one such compound which was used in this study
Summary
Cervical cancer is a major health problem worldwide and is the most frequent cause of cancer in women in India (Jemal et al, 2011; Pathak et al, 2012). Many chemotherapeutic drugs have been found to exert their cytotoxicity through this mechanism (Kamesaki et al, 1998). A number of major chemical compounds have been identified in the leaves, roots, and fruits of Noni plant (Pawlus et al, 2005; Akihisa et al, 2007; Alitheen et al, 2010). Several studies have demonstrated that Noni shows cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing affect by itself and enhances the efficacy of anticancer drugs like Cisplatin and doxorubicin (Hiramatsu et al, 1993; Furusawa et al, 2003; Taskin et al, 2009)
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