Alpinia galanga extract induces senescence in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells

Abstract

Background: Alpinia galanga L. (galangal) is a widely known spice in Southeast Asia. A previous study indicated that its active compounds might effectively inhibit (HER2)-overexpressing breast cancer cell proliferation.
Objective: Our study aimed to investigate the anti-proliferation activity of galangal extract (GE) on HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells by analyzing GE cytotoxicity and its mechanism of action.
Methods: We used HCC1954 cell line as a model. We observed the effect of GE (10–200 µg/mL) on cell growth using MTT assay. The modulation of GE on cell cycle, apoptosis, and the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were analyzed using flow cytometry. Moreover, SA-β-galactosidase staining used to observe the cell senescence.
Results: Cytotoxic test indicated that GE has modest cytotoxicity towards HCC1954 (IC50> 200 µg/mL) and GE increased cell accumulation at the G2/M phase. Although GE showed no induction on apoptosis, it increased the number of senescent cells. This effect correlated with the increasing intracellular ROS level upon treatment with GE. Furthermore, when combined with doxorubicin (Dox), GE increased the Dox’s cytotoxicity.
Conclusions: A. galanga anti-proliferation activity against HER2-overexpressing breast cancer was associated with its capability to induce cell senescence and intracellular ROS level, causing halted cell cycle progression.

:TJPS-2020-0099.R2