Apoptosis: Natural Cancer Cell Death
“Apoptosis” is a generally programmed mechanism of cell death. When certain stimulation is applied to a cell, its gene triggers the self-destruction device and the cell dies. Once apoptosis occurs to a cell, DNA of cancer cells will be fragmented and they will disappear.
A study on the influence of Mozuku (Cladosiphon okamuranus) derived Fucoidan, Mekabu (Undaria pinnatifida) derived Fucoidan, and Agaricus mycelium extract powder on apoptosis of promyelocytic leukemia cell strains (HL60) and cultured human ovarian tumor cell strains (NOS4) has been carried out. Apoptosis was determined. |
Effects of Mozuku Derived Fucoidan Inducing Apoptosis
Method of Experiment 1
Applied Mozuku (Cladosiphon okamuranus) derived Fucoidan, Mekabu (Undaria pinnatifida) derived Fucoidan, and Agaricus mycelium extract powder onto each promyelocytic leukemia cell strain (HL60) and cultured human ovarian tumor cell strains (NOS4) and cultured them.
Applied Mozuku (Cladosiphon okamuranus) derived Fucoidan, Mekabu (Undaria pinnatifida) derived Fucoidan, and Agaricus mycelium extract powder onto each promyelocytic leukemia cell strain (HL60) and cultured human ovarian tumor cell strains (NOS4) and cultured them.
Results
When Agaricus was applied to the cancer cell, there was no apoptosis effect. The results did reveal that Mozuku derived Fucoidan and Mekabu derived Fucoidan exhibited a high ability to induce apoptosis.
When Agaricus was applied to the cancer cell, there was no apoptosis effect. The results did reveal that Mozuku derived Fucoidan and Mekabu derived Fucoidan exhibited a high ability to induce apoptosis.
Method of Experiment 2
We examined how Mozuku derived Fucoidan would affect apoptosis induction on the growth of human breast cancer cell strains (MCF-7). Mozuku derived Fucoidan and Mozuku derived Fucoidan prepared with caspase-7 inhibitors were added to human breast cancer cell strains (MCF-7), and the cells were cultured. As a control, nothing was added to the culture. (Chart 1) We examined the activation of caspase-7 after Fucoidan was added to the cultured cells. (Chart 2) |
Results
Once Fucoidan was presented to the cancer cells; human breast cancer cells had a decrease of density dependence. When Fucoidan 1000μg was presented to human breast cancer cells, cancer cells were decreased, however breast cancer cells did not change when Fucoidan 1000μg with caspase-7 inhibitor was presented. (Chart 1)
Therefore we thought that Mozuku derived Fucoidan induced apoptosis activating caspase-7. So, then we measured caspase-7, caspase-7 was activated by Fucoidan.(Chart 2)
Once Fucoidan was presented to the cancer cells; human breast cancer cells had a decrease of density dependence. When Fucoidan 1000μg was presented to human breast cancer cells, cancer cells were decreased, however breast cancer cells did not change when Fucoidan 1000μg with caspase-7 inhibitor was presented. (Chart 1)
Therefore we thought that Mozuku derived Fucoidan induced apoptosis activating caspase-7. So, then we measured caspase-7, caspase-7 was activated by Fucoidan.(Chart 2)
What is Caspase-7?
Caspase-7 is an apoptosis-related cysteine peptidase. Caspase-7 is a member of the caspase (cysteine aspartate protease) family of proteins, and has been shown to be an executioner protein of apoptosis. Sequential activation of caspases plays a central role in the execution-phase of cell apoptosis. Caspases exist as inactive proenzymes which undergo proteolytic processing by upstream caspases (caspase-8, -9) at conserved aspartic residues to produce two subunits, large and small, that dimerize to form the active enzyme in the form of a heterotetramer.
Caspase-7 is an apoptosis-related cysteine peptidase. Caspase-7 is a member of the caspase (cysteine aspartate protease) family of proteins, and has been shown to be an executioner protein of apoptosis. Sequential activation of caspases plays a central role in the execution-phase of cell apoptosis. Caspases exist as inactive proenzymes which undergo proteolytic processing by upstream caspases (caspase-8, -9) at conserved aspartic residues to produce two subunits, large and small, that dimerize to form the active enzyme in the form of a heterotetramer.
Fucoidan Mozuku Activates Apoptosis in Cancer Cells
Mozuku (Cladosiphon okamuranus) is from the genus Cladosiphon, which is naturally found in Okinawa, Japan. Mozuku is rich in Fucoidan and it is the species with the highest amounts of sulfated polysaccharides. Fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus is safe and it has a very strong Apoptotic effect as well as potential for gastric protection. It has also been studied for its anti-ulcer and adhesion inhibitor activity for Helicobacter pylori. The Fucoidan obtained from Cladosiphon okamuranus has been studied extensively for its ability to inhibit stomach cancer cells.
Fucoidan from Mozuku is highly rich in fucose which activates one of its unique benefits towards well-being. |
Angiogenesis InhibitionCancer cells need nutrients and oxygen to metastasize, so they send signals to generate new blood vessels around them. Once this occurs, they metastasize to other places.
Angiogenesis Inhibition Activity is blocking the generation of new blood vessels of cancer cells. |
Immune SupportImmunity-Enhancing Activity refers to an increase in the immunity. A leukocyte has monocyte, polymorph and lymphocyte, and they work effectively to support immune system. A polysaccharide stimulates intestinal immunity and activates its immune system.
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