Abstract
Background: We have previously reported the crucial roles of oncogenic Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) in inhibiting apoptosis and disrupting cell polarity via the regulation of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) expression in human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells in three-dimensional cultures (3DC). Herein we evaluated the effects of resveratrol, a PDE4 inhibitor, on the luminal cavity formation and the induction of apoptosis in HCT116 cells. Materials and Methods: Apoptosis was detected by immunofluorescence using confocal laser scanning microscopy with an antibody against cleaved caspase-3 in HCT116 cells treated with or without resveratrol in a two-dimensional culture (2DC) or 3DC. Results: Resveratrol did not induce apoptosis of HCT116 cells in 2DC, whereas the number of apoptotic HCT116 cells increased after resveratrol treatment in 3DC, leading to formation of a luminal cavity. Conclusion: Resveratrol induced apoptosis of HCT116 cells in 3DC, resulting in the formation of a luminal cavity, probably by inhibiting PDE4 activity.
- Received April 4, 2014.
- Revision received June 19, 2014.
- Accepted June 20, 2014.
- Copyright© 2014 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved