The apoptotic effect of cordycepin on human OEC-M1 oral cancer cell line

• Published in: Cancer chemotherapy and pharmacology 2007-06, Vol.60 (1), p.103-111
• Main Authors: WU, Wei-Ciao, HSIAO, Jenn-Ren, LIAN, Yu-Yan, LIN, Chun-Yu, HUANG, Bu-Miin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Annexin V; Anticancer properties; Antineoplastic agents; Antineoplastic Agents - pharmacology; Apoptosis; Apoptosis - drug effects; Biological and medical sciences; Cancer; Cell cycle; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Membrane - drug effects; Cell Membrane - metabolism; Cell membranes; Cell Shape - drug effects; Cell Survival - drug effects; Cell viability; Cordycepin; Deoxyadenosine; Deoxyadenosines - pharmacology; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors - pharmacology; Flow cytometry; Flow Cytometry - methods; G1 phase; G1 Phase - drug effects; G2 Phase - drug effects; Gingival Neoplasms - metabolism; Gingival Neoplasms - pathology; Humans; Medical sciences; Oral cancer; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Phosphatidylserine; Phosphatidylserines - metabolism; Protein Transport - drug effects; Time Factors; Tumors; Upper respiratory tract, upper alimentary tract, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands: diseases, semeiology
• ISSN: 0344-5704; 1432-0843
• DOI: 10.1007/s00280-006-0354-y

Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine), a pure compound of Cordyceps sinensis, has been illustrated with anti-tumor effects. In the present study, the apoptotic effect of cordycepin on OEC-M1, a human oral squamous cancer cell line, was investigated by morphological observations, cell viability assay, annexin V-FITC analysis and flow cytometry methods. Results demonstrated that the number of rounded-up cell increased as treatment duration of cordycepin (100 microM) increased from 3 to 48 h, and the plasma membrane blebbing could be observed after 12 h treatment. In cell viability assay, cell surviving rate significantly decreased as the dosage and duration of cordycepin treatment increased (P < 0.05). Moreover, phosphatidylserine flipping on cell membrane could be detected with 3, 6 and 12 h cordycepin treatment, which indicated an early apoptotic phenomenon. Furthermore, cell cycle studies illustrated that the percentage of G1 phase cell declined as the dosages of cordycepin increased (10 microM to 5 mM), while the percentages of G2M and subG1 phase cell increased (P < 0.05) in 12, 24 and 48 h cordycepin treatment. These results further confirmed the apoptotic event. In conclusion, cordycepin significantly induced cell apoptotsis in OEC-M1 human oral squamous cancer cells.