Curcumin induces apoptosis-independent death in oesophageal cancer cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Oesophageal cancer incidence is increasing and survival rates remain extremely poor. Natural agents with potential for chemoprevention include the phytochemical curcumin (diferuloylmethane). We have examined the effects of curcumin on a panel of oesophageal cancer cell lines.

Methods

MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyldiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assays and propidium iodide staining were used to assess viability and DNA content, respectively. Mitotic catastrophe (MC), apoptosis and autophagy were defined by both morphological criteria and markers such as MPM-2, caspase 3 cleavage and monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining. Cyclin B and poly-ubiquitinated proteins were assessed by western blotting.

Results

Curcumin treatment reduces viability of all cell lin

SUBMITTER: O'Sullivan-Coyne G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2778521 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature