Lectin of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) promotes selective antitumor effects in human breast cancer cells

• DOI: 10.1007/s10529-013-1382-4
• Publication Date: 2013-10-15T05:56:50Z
• Authors: Leonardo G. Monte; Tatiane Santi-Gad...; Larissa B. Reis; Elizandra Braganhol; Rafael F. Prietsch; Odir A. Dellagostin; Rodrigo Rodrigues...; Carlos A. A. Gadelha; Fabricio R. Conce...; Luciano S. Pinto
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 03 medical and health sciences; Abelmoschus; Caspases; Cell Line, Tumor; Lectins; Humans; Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Epithelial Cells; Fibroblasts; 3. Good health

The anti-tumor effects of a newly-discovered lectin, isolated from okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (AEL), were investigated in human breast cancer (MCF7) and skin fibroblast (CCD-1059 sk) cells. AEL induced significant cell growth inhibition (63 %) in MCF7 cells. The expression of pro-apoptotic caspase-3, caspase-9, and p21 genes was increased in MCF7 cells treated with AEL, compared to those treated with controls. In addition, AEL treatment increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in MCF7 cells. Flow cytometry also indicated that cell death (72 %) predominantly occurred through apoptosis. Thus, AEL in its native form promotes selective antitumor effects in human breast cancer cells and may represent a potential therapeutic to combat human breast cancer.