Coptidis Rhizoma induces intrinsic apoptosis through BAX and BAK activation in human melanoma

Xu,Xiaoou; Yokoyama,Satoru; Hayakawa,Yoshihiro; Saiki,Ikuo

doi:10.3892/or.2017.5672

Coptidis Rhizoma induces intrinsic apoptosis through BAX and BAK activation in human melanoma

Authors:
- Xiaoou Xu
- Satoru Yokoyama
- Yoshihiro Hayakawa
- Ikuo Saiki
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Affiliations: Division of Pathogenic Biochemistry, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
Published online on: May 26, 2017 https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2017.5672
Pages: 538-544

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Abstract

Malignant melanoma has exhibited a rising incidence in recent years worldwide. Although various molecular targeted drugs are being researched and developed for melanoma patients, their efficacy appears to be unsatisfactory. Over the past few years, several reports have demonstrated that Coptidis Rhizoma water extracts (CR) or its major active chemical component, berberine, has anticancer activities in various types of cancer, including melanoma. However, their underlying mechanisms have not been well understood. In the present study, we determined that CR suppressed melanoma cell viability, which was mainly mediated through apoptosis. In addition, the expression levels of anti-apoptotic proteins, BCL2A1, MCL1 and BCL-w, were strongly suppressed by CR treatment. Furthermore, multi-domain pro-apoptotic proteins BAX and BAK were activated by CR treatment and were also required for the CR-induced apoptosis. Collectively, CR or some formulations containing CR, may be effective safe treatment strategies for human melanoma.

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