Myricetin induces cell death of human colon cancer cells via BAX/BCL2-dependent pathway

• Published in: Anticancer research 2014-02, Vol.34 (2), p.701-706
• Main Authors: Kim, Mi Eun, Ha, Tae Kwun, Yoon, Ju Hwa, Lee, Jun Sik
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Apoptosis Inducing Factor - metabolism; bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein - biosynthesis; bcl-2-Associated X Protein - metabolism; Cell Line, Tumor; Colonic Neoplasms - drug therapy; Colonic Neoplasms - genetics; Colonic Neoplasms - metabolism; Colonic Neoplasms - pathology; DNA, Neoplasm - metabolism; Flavonoids - pharmacology; Humans; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 - metabolism; Signal Transduction
• ISSN: 1791-7530

Myricetin is a flavonol found in various berries, herbs, and walnuts. Previous studies have demonstrated that myricetin has anticancer effects against several types of cancer, including hepatocarcinoma, skin carcinoma, and pancreatic cancer. However, the anticancer activity of myricetin on human colon cancer has not been yet established. In the present study, we investigated the anticancer effects of myricetin on HCT-15 human colon cancer cells. We found that myricetin induces cytotoxicity and DNA condensation in human colon cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. We also determined that myricetin increases the BCL2-associated X protein/B-cell lymphoma 2 ratio, but not cleavage of caspase-3 and -9. In addition, myricetin induced the release of apoptosis-inducing factor from mitochondria. These results suggest that myricetin induces apoptosis of HCT-15 human colon cancer cells and may prove useful in the development of therapeutic agents for human colon cancer.