Combination effect of equol and TRAIL against human cervical cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising candidate for cancer therapy due to its selective ability to induce apoptosis of cancer cells. However, some cancer cells are resistant to TRAIL. Here, we demonstrated that treatment with TRAIL, in combination with equol, sensitizes TRAIL-mediated apoptosis of HeLa cells.

METHODS

Cell viability was evaluated by the colorimetric cell viability assay (MTT). Apoptotic cell death was analyzed by flow cytometry and microscopy. Western blotting was performed to examine protein expression and cell surface expression was evaluated by flow cytometry. Enzymatic activity of caspases was measured by the colorimetric assay.

RESULTS

Equol enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis through activation of caspase-3, -8, -9, and cleavage of BID. Furthermore, DR4/Fc chimera protein and DR5/Fc chimera protein efficiently reduced the activation of caspases and BID cleavage, as well as apoptotic cell death induced by co-treatment with equol and TRAIL.

CONCLUSIONS

Equol enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis of HeLa cells through a death receptor-mediated caspase pathway.