Induction of Apoptosis on MCF-7 cells by Selaginella Fractions.

The selaginella ethanolic extract shows cytotoxic activity against T47D and MCF-7 cells. The aim of this research is to evaluate the cytotoxic effect and apoptosis induction of selaginella fractions on MCF-7 cells. The Selaginella plana powder was extracted by absolute ethanol. Ethanolic extract was dilluted by methanol:water (4:1) and then fractionated by hexane (S_Hex), methylene chloride (S_MTC), ethyl acetate (S_EA), and buthanol (S_BuOH). Cytotoxic activity was examined by MTT assay. Apoptosis examination used acrydine orangeetidium bromide staining (double staining). The result showed that the IC50 value of S_Hex, S_MTC, S_EA, and S_BuOH on MCF-7 cells were 30 μg/mL, 19 μg/mL, 24 μg/mL, and 2 μg/mL respectively. The active fractions (S_Hex, S_MTC, S_EA and S_BuOH) at its IC50 concentration increased apoptotic cells on the MCF-7 cells 35.33%, 20.33%, 24% and 45.67% respectively compared to control. Based on the result, buthanol fraction of Selaginella plana (S_BuOH) showed the highest apoptotic induction on MCF-7 cancer cells.

Plasma lipid pattern and red cell membrane structure in β-thalassemia patients in Jakarta.

Background: Over the last 10 years, we have investigated thalassemia patients in Jakarta to obtain a comprehensive picture of iron overload, oxidative stress, and cell damage. Methods: In blood samples from 15 transfusion-dependent patients (group T), 5 non-transfused patients (group N) and 10 controls (group C), plasma lipids and lipoproteins, lipid-soluble vitamin E, malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiol status were measured. Isolated eryhtrocyte membranes were investigated with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy using doxyl-stearic acid and maleimido-proxyl spin lables. Data were analyzed statistically with ANOVA. Results: Plasma triglycerides were higher and cholesterol levels were lower in thalassemic patients compared to controls. Vitamin E, group C: 21.8 vs T: 6.2 μmol/L) and reactive thiols (C: 144 vs. T: 61 μmol/L) were considerably lower in transfused patients, who exert clear signs of oxidative stress (MDA, C: 1.96 vs T: 9.2 μmol/L) and of tissue cell damage, i.e., high transaminases plasma levels. Non-transfused thalassemia patients have slight signs of oxidative stress, but no signifi cant indication of cell damage. Erythrocyte membrane parameters from EPR spectroscopy differ considerably between all groups. In transfusion-dependent patients the structure of the erythrocyte membrane and the gradients of polarity and fl uidity are destroyed in lipid domains; binding capacity of protein thiols in the membrane is lower and immobilized. Conclusion: In tranfusion-dependent thalassemic patients, plasma lipid pattern and oxidative stress are associated with structural damage of isolated erythrocyte membranes as measured by EPR spectroscopy with lipid and proteinthiol spin labels.