Apoptosis Induction in Breast Cancer Cells by Cowanin
Nittiya Chowchaikong BSc*, Sirinun Nilwarangoon PhD*, Nudjaree Tanjapatkul PhD*, Surat Laphookhieo PhD**, Ramida Watanapokasin PhD*
Affiliation : * Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Muang, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Background : Breast cancer is a common cancer occurs in women worldwide. In Thailand and United States, it is the first and
second leading cause of cancer-related death among females, respectively. Therefore, a novel bioactive compound with high
selectivity for cancer cell death is important in cancer research.
Objective : To investigate the effect of cowanin on anti-proliferation and apoptosis induction of breast cancer cell, MDA-MB-
468.
Material and Method: MTT assay was used for cell proliferation and viability assay. Nuclear morphological changes and
mitochondrial membrane potential was determined by Hoechst 33342 staining and JC-1 staining, respectively.
Results : Cowanin showed anti-proliferation and cell viability reduction in MDA-MB-468 cells in a time- and dose-dependent
manner with IC50 value of 16.27+0.88 μg/mL. Furthermore, cowanin induced chromatin condensation, apoptotic bodies and
mitochondrial membrane dysfunction in MDA-MB-468 cells.
Conclusion : Cowanin showed anti-proliferation and apoptosis induction in MDA-MB-468 cells. These results are basic
knowledge for developing the chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer in the future.
Keywords : Breast cancer cells, Cowanin, Apoptosis, Cells proliferation
