Anti-cancer Effects of Fucoxanthin on Human Glioblastoma Cell Line

Background/Aim: Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most malignant primary brain tumor. New treatment strategies against the disease are urgently needed, as therapies are not completely efficient. In this study, we evaluated the antitumorigenic activity of the carotenoid fucoxanthin (Fx) on human GBM cells in vitro. Materials and Methods: GBM1 cell viability and proliferation was assessed by MTT reduction, Ki67 and single cell cloning assays. GBM1 migration and invasion were analyzed by wound healing and Transwell assays. Apoptosis and necrosis were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the mitochondrial membrane potential (Delta Psi m) by the selective fluorescent dye tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester. Cell morphology was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Fx anti-angiogenic effect was assessed by the CAM ex ovo assay. Results: Fx decreased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner 40-100 mu M) in GBM1, A172 and C6 cell lines and was not cytotoxic to murine astrocytes. In addition, Fx inhibited the proliferation and clonogenic potential, and decreased migration and invasion of GBM1 cells. Furthermore, Fx induced apoptosis, loss of Delta Psi m and ultrastructural alterations in GBM1. Fx-treated GBM1 cells-conditioned medium reduced the quail yolk membrane vascularity. Conclusion: Fx induces cytotoxicity, anti-proliferative, anti-invasive and anti-angiogenic effects on GBM1 cells.