Induction of apoptosis by piperine in human cervical adenocarcinoma via ROS mediated mitochondrial pathway and caspase-3 activation

Authors

  • Asif Jafri Molecular Endocrinology Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226007, India; Molecular and Human Genetics Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226007, India
  • Sahabjada Siddiqui Department of Biotechnology, Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Lucknow-226003, India; Tel.: +91-9452688313; Fax: +91-0522-6600777; E-mail: sahabjadabiotech04@gmail.com; sahabjada@erauniversity.in; Molecular Endocrinology Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226007, India
  • Juhi Rais Molecular Endocrinology Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226007, India
  • Md Sultan Ahmad Department of Zoology, Shibli National (PG) College, Azamgarh-276001, India; Tel.: +91-522-2370813; Fax: +91-522-2740230; E-mail: sultansnc@gmail.com
  • Sudhir Kumar Molecular and Human Genetics Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226007, India
  • Tabrez Jafar Department of Molecular Medicine, Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Lucknow-226003, India
  • Mohammad Afzal Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-202002, India
  • Md Arshad Molecular Endocrinology Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226007, India; Tel.: +91-522-2370813; Fax: +91-522-2740230; E-mail: arshadm123@rediffmail.com

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2018-1928

Keywords:

anti-tumor, caspase-3, cell cycle kinetics, piperine, ROS

Abstract

Piperine (1-piperoylpeperdine), a nitrogenous pungent substance, is present in the fruits of black pepper (Piper nigrum Linn.) and long pepper (Piper longum Linn.). It possesses several pharmacological properties and has been extensively explored for its anti-cancerous activities. The mechanism underlying its anti-cancer potential in human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells is not well interpreted. The anti-proliferative effect and the mode of action of piperine were investigated through some potent markers of apoptosis viz.reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cellular apoptosis and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). DNA fragmentation, cell cycle kinetics, caspase-3 activity and cell migration assays were also conducted to observe the efficacy of piperine against HeLa cells. The results showed that piperine exposure induces apoptosis significantly in a dose-dependent manner and inhibits the growth of HeLa cells with an increase in ROS generation, nuclear condensation and delayed wound healing. In addition, piperine also encourages cell death by the loss of MMP, DNA fragmentation and the activation of caspase-3. Growth inhibition of HeLa cells was found to be associated with G2/M phase arrest and sub-G1 accumulation. The present study provides useful insight into the apoptotic potential of piperine and further in vivo and clinical studies will be needed for its validation and in the finding of more effective and least toxic regimens against cervical cancer.

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Published

2019-03-13

How to Cite

Jafri, A., Siddiqui, S., Rais, J., Ahmad, M. S., Kumar, S., Jafar, T., … Arshad, M. (2019). Induction of apoptosis by piperine in human cervical adenocarcinoma via ROS mediated mitochondrial pathway and caspase-3 activation. EXCLI Journal, 18, 154–164. https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2018-1928

Issue

Vol. 18 (2019)

Section

Original articles

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