Biomaterials such as exopolysaccharides have been of great interest for their diverse biological activities in controlling or preventing chronic degenerative diseases, such as cancer. Previously, we isolated four dextrans produced by four strains isolated from Agave salmiana, which were named SF3, SF2, SD1, and SD23. The objective was to evaluate the antitumor activity of these dextrans on prostate (PC3) and colon (SW480) cancer cells. Growth inhibition, morphological changes, mitochondrial metabolism, and cell apoptosis were evaluated by sulforhodamine B, transmission electron microscopy, Seahorse XF and TUNEL assays, respectively. To gene expression was used qPCR and to protein ELISA and immunofluorescence. The cells treated with the dextrans to a dose of 8 mg/mL presented an inhibition of cell growth. Studies of the metabolism cell indicated a disruption in mitochondrial function and a diminished ability of the cells to respond to energy demands through glycolysis. These changes indicate mitochondrial damage resulting in oxidative stress or metabolic alterations. Survivin gen decreased and caspase-3 and -8 increased, key regulators of the apoptotic response with treatment. Moreover, the TUNEL assays indicated cell apoptosis. In conclusion, our findings suggest that dextrans could be considered as potential compounds for cancer treatment.
Keywords: Apoptosis; Dextran; Oxidative stress.
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