Effects of an extract of Celtis aetnensis (Tornab.) Strobl twigs on human colon cancer cell cultures

Cancers of the digestive tract, in particularcolorectal cancer (CRC), are among those most responsive todietary modification. Research has shown that approximately75% of all sporadic cases of CRC are directly influenced bydiet. Many natural compounds have been investigated fortheir potential usefulness as cancer chemopreventive agentsas they have been thought to suppress carcinogenesis mainlyduring the initiation phase due to their radical scavengeractivity. Since there is an increasing interest in the in vivoprotective effects of natural compounds contained in plantsagainst oxidative damage involved in several human diseasessuch as cancer, the aim of the present research was to test theeffects of a Celtis aetnensis (Tornab.) Strobl twig extract on ahuman colon carcinoma cell line (Caco2). In order to elucidatethe mechanisms of action of this extract, LDH release, GSHcontent, ROS levels, caspase-3 and γ-GCS expression werealso evaluated. The results revealed that the Celtis aetnensisextract reduced the cell viability of the Caco2 cells inducingapoptosis at the lowest concentration and necrosis at higherdosages. In addition, this extract caused an increase in thelevels of ROS, a decrease in RSH levels and in the expressionof HO-1. The expression of γ-GCS was not modified in theCeltis aetnensis-treated Caco-2 cells. These results suggestan interference of this extract on the oxidant/antioxidantcell balance with consequent cell damage. The present studysupports the growing body of data suggesting the bioactivitiesof Celtis aetnensis (Tornab.) Strobl and its potential impact oncancer therapy and on human health.