|
Alteration of Bax-to-Bcl-2
ratio modulates the anticancer activity of methanolic
extract of Commelina benghalensis (Commelinaceae) in
Jurkat T cells
Vusi G. Mbazima1, Matlou P. Mokgotho1,
Faghri February2, D Jasper G. Rees2
and Leseilane J. Mampuru1*
1Department
of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, University
of Limpopo (Turfloop campus), Private Bag X1106, Sovenga,
0727, Limpopo Province, Republic of South Africa.
2Department
of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Private
Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, Cape Town, Republic of South
Africa.
*Corresponding author.
E-mail:
Leseilanem@ul.ac.za.
Tel. +27-15-268-3018. Fax. +27-15-268-3234.
Accepted
15 August, 2008 |
|
Stem extracts of Commelina benghalensis (Linn.),
although not extensively documented, are frequently used in
traditional medicine for the treatment of ailments such as
skin malformations and outgrowths. Accordingly, the study
was aimed to investigate possible molecular mechanisms that
are associated with the potential anti-carcinogenic property
of this agrofield weed. Jurkat T cells were exposed to
different concentrations (0-600
mg/ml) of the crude methanolic extract of C. benghalensis
to evaluate their growth inhibitory and apoptosis inducing
effects. The extract elicited a dose- and time-dependent
inhibition of cell proliferation, followed by a concomitant
decrease in cell viability. The observed cytotoxicity was
linked to the induction of apoptosis as determined by
morphological and biochemical features known to be
associated with the advent of apoptosis. Real time
quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analyses of Bax,
Bcl-2 and p53 exhibited aberrant expression profiles
of these genes under various treatment conditions. Taken
together, the data suggest that the crude methanolic extract
of C. benghalensis contains bioactive compounds that
may be beneficial in the treatment of malignant growths, and
that this apparent antineoplastic activity is a consequence
of dysregulated expression of apoptosis-responsive genes.
These observations could provide a credible scientific
justification upon which the ethnopharmacological
utilisation of C. benghalensis is founded.
Key
words:
Apoptosis, Bcl-2, Bax, p53, Commelina
benghalensis; Jurkat T cells. |
