Sanggenol L Activates Caspase and Inhibits the NF-кB/JNK/ERK Signaling Pathway to Promote Apoptotic Cell Death in Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Background: In Western nations, colorectal cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer. Recent research has revealed that Western habits are influencing Asian countries, thus significantly contributing to the rapidly increasing rate of cancer. A naturally occurring flavonoid called sanggenol L found in the root bark of Morus alba possesses anti-cancer properties against colorectal malignant cells. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of sanggenol L on human colorectal cancer cells are still unknown.

Objective: The current study explored whether sanggenol L enhances apoptosis through the inhibition of the NF-кB/JNK/ERK signaling pathway in colorectal human cancer cells.

Materials and methods: The effects of sanggenol L were determined based on the observed cytotoxic activity, fluorescent staining for apoptotic cells using AO/EB, DCFH-DA, Rh-123, DAPI, ROS, and MMP, as well as the analysis of cell proliferation, inflammatory and apoptotic markers through western blot analysis.

Results: Colorectal cancer cells exposed to sanggenol L (20 and 30 μM/ml) mediated apoptosis of Bax, Bcl-2, and TNF-α and reduced cell growth by down-regulating p-ERK, p-JNK, and pp38 via mediation of p-NF-кB.

Conclusion: The study results indicate that sanggenol L triggers caspase-induced apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. Lastly, it was proposed that sanggenol L could help prevent colon cancer.