Anticancer effect of Xyloketal-B on apoptotic signalling molecules in A431 human skin cancer cells in vitro

Abstract

Background: Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the epidermis is known as skin cancer which is caused by unrepaired DNA damage. Xyloketal-B is a natural compound which is derived from the mangrove fungus, Xylaria sp. widely found in the South China Sea, has been to have anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective activities. However, the anticancer activity of xyloketal-B in skin cancer has not been explored. Aim: The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of Xyloketal-B on apoptotic signalling molecules in A431 human skin cancer cells in vitro. Materials and methods: A431 human skin cancer cells treated with Xyloketal-B ethanolic extract (25, 50 and 100µg/ml) for 24 h. B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), phosphorylation of Bcl2 (p-Bcl-2), Bcl-extra-large (Bcl-xL), and tumor suppressor p53 proteins were analyzed by Western blot method. Results: Control cells (A431 skin cancer cells) showed an increase in the levels of anti apoptotic molecules such as Bcl-2, p-Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL with concomitant decrease in the levels of p53 tumor suppressor protein expression. Xyloketal-B treatment to A431 cells at the doses of 50 and 100µg/ml for 24 h interestingly reduced the Bcl-2, p-Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL protein expression with an increase in the levels of p53. Conclusion: This study concludes that Xyloketal-B exhibits anticancer potential (melanoma) antiapoptotic and tumor suppressor proteins A431 human skin cancer cells, and hence, Xyloketal-B can be served as one of the promising anticancer drugs for skin cancer.  Further studies on the role of Xyloketal-B in in vivo experimental model need to be studies to ascertain the potential mechanisms of action the drug