The Antitumor Effects of Diapocynin and Apocynin in Osteosarcoma Cells

Objectives: Background: Osteosarcoma is the most common tumor associated with other malignancies. In recent decades there has been a notable advance in the treatment of this disease; however more studies are needed to understand its mechanisms of action. In this way, diapocynin and apocynin have been used as inhibitors of processes involved in many diseases. Understanding the mechanisms by which these compounds interact with cells may contribute in the understanding of the development of new therapeutic strategies for bone diseases. Aims: To evaluate the potential antitumor effects of diapocynin and apocynin in osteosarcoma human cells.
Methods: Methods: Human osteosarcoma cell (SaOS-2) and normal human osteoblasts (HOB) were treated with different concentrations of diapocynin and apocynin (10, 25, 50 and 100 μg/mL). After treatment, the cytotoxic effect was evaluated by MTT reduction assay. Apoptotic capacity was analyzed by flow cytometry using Annexin V-PI. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was evaluated by the probe DCFH-DA. Moreover, cell migration capacity was assessed by scratch assay.
Results: Results: Diapocynin and apocynin, at concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/mL, reduced SaOS-2 viability and increased the percentage of apoptotic cells in SaOS-2, but did not affect HOB cells. Moreover, diapocynin and apocynin also promoted the reduction of ROS production and inhibited SaOS-2 migration; however these characteristics were not changed in HOB cells.
Conclusions: Conclusion: Diapocynin and apocynin inhibited viability, ROS production and migration of osteosarcoma cells, nevertheless did not promote alterations in normal osteoblasts; therefore, these compounds appear to be potential candidates against osteosarcoma.