Barley grass extract causes apoptosis of cancer cells by increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species production

Woo,Sang  Mi; Kwon,Sang‑Chul; Ko,Seong  Gyu; Cho,Sung‑Gook

doi:10.3892/br.2017.897

Barley grass extract causes apoptosis of cancer cells by increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species production

Authors:
- Sang Mi Woo
- Sang‑Chul Kwon
- Seong Gyu Ko
- Sung‑Gook Cho
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Affiliations: Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School of Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130‑701, Republic of Korea, Department of Food Technology, Korea National University of Transportation, Jeungpyeong, Chungbuk 368‑701, Republic of Korea, Department of Biotechnology, Korea National University of Transportation, Jeungpyeong, Chungbuk 368‑701, Republic of Korea
Published online on: May 3, 2017 https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2017.897
Pages: 681-685

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Abstract

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, therefore food products are being investigated for potential prevention or treatment strategies. The ingredient, barley grass extract (Hordeum vulgare L.; Bex) is used to prevent or ameliorate various types of disease. In cancer, Bex has been revealed to inhibit tumor growth. However, its effect on cancer cells is yet to be clearly defined. In the present study, the effect of Bex on cancer cell growth was investigated. Bex inhibited the viabilities of breast and prostate cancer cells according to the results of MTT assays. Accordingly, Bex caused apoptosis, which was confirmed by Annexin V staining and western blot analysis for poly (ADP‑ribose) polymerase and caspases. Furthermore, Bex increased the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and N‑acetyl‑L‑cystein blocked Bex‑induced apoptosis. Therefore, the study demonstrated that Bex causes apoptosis of breast and prostate cancer cells by increasing intracellular ROS levels.

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