Genotoxic, cytotoxic, and apoptotic effects of crude extract of Usnea filipendula Stirt. in vitro

Authors: SERAP ÇELİKLER KASIMOĞULLARI, SEYHAN ORAN, FERDA ARI, ENGİN ULUKAYA, NAZLIHAN AZTOPAL, MEHMET SARIMAHMUT, ŞULE ÖZTÜRK

Abstract: Lichens are recently receiving great attention because they have potential anticancer activity. Therefore, in this study, genotoxic and antigrowth properties of lichen species Usnea filipendula Stirt. were tested against human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). Antigrowth effect was assayed by the MTT and ATP viability assays. Cell death modes (apoptosis/necrosis) were evaluated morphologically (fluorescence staining) and biochemically (caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18, caspase-3 activity, and poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage). Genotoxic activity of U. filipendula was determined by using micronucleus, chromosomal aberration, and comet assays in human lymphocyte culture. U. filipendula inhibited growth in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis by cleavage of PARP and induction of active caspase-3. It also showed genotoxic activity in doses (125 and 250 µg/mL) higher than that required for apoptosis. These results suggest that U. filipendula may induce apoptotic cell death at lower doses, while it may be genotoxic at higher doses.

Keywords: Usnea filipendula, breast cancer, cell death, apoptosis, DNA damage

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