J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg.  2007 Feb;33(1):20-27.

The mechanism of apoptosis induced by eugenol in human osteosarcoma cells

• Shin SH
• Park JH
• Kim GC
• Park BS
• Gil YG
• Kim CH

Abstract

Eugenol is commonly used in dentistry for the sedation of toothache, pulpitis, and dental hyperalgesia. This study was performed to investigate the apoptotic effect of eugenol to human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells and the potential use of this compound in osteosarcoma cells. Eugenol showed the apoptotic effect in HOS cells in dose- and time-dependent manner. Fragmentation and condensation of DNA were showed by TUNEL assay, Hemacolor stain and Hoechst stain. In the DNA electrophoresis analysis, cells showed DNA degradation characteristic of apoptosis with a ladder pattern of DNA fragments. Apoptosis-related factors were analyzed by western blotting. Cells treated with eugenol showed caspase-3, PARP, lamin A and DFF-45 cleavage. Eugenol treatment induced caspase-3 cleavage and activation. Cleavages of PARP, DFF-45 and lamin A were accompanied with activation of caspase triggered by eugenol in HOS cells. Though this study needs more investigations, these results suggest that eugenol induce apoptosis via caspase dependent pathway in HOS cells and eugenol may constitute a potential antitumor compound against osteosarcoma cells.

MeSH Terms

Apoptosis*
Blotting, Western
Caspase 3
Dentistry
DNA
Electrophoresis
Eugenol*
Humans*
Hyperalgesia
In Situ Nick-End Labeling
Lamin Type A
Osteosarcoma*
Pulpitis
Toothache
Caspase 3
DNA
Eugenol
Lamin Type A