Nutr Res Pract.  2014 Aug;8(4):377-385.

Anti-proliferative and angio-suppressive effect of Stoechospermum marginatum (C. Agardh) Kutzing extract using various experimental models

• Vinayak R
• Puttananjaiah S
• Chatterji
• Salimath B

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES
Abundant consumption of seaweeds in the diet is epidemiologically linked to the reduction in risk of developing cancer. In larger cases, however, identification of particular seaweeds that are accountable for these effects is still lacking, hindering the recognition of competent dietary-based chemo preventive approaches. The aim of this research was to establish the antiproliferative potency and angiosuppressive mode of action of Stoechospermum marginatum seaweed methanolic extract using various experimental models.
MATERIALS/METHODS
Among the 15 seaweeds screened for antiproliferative activity against Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) cell line, Stoechospermum marginatum extract (SME) was found to be the most promising. Therefore, it was further investigated for its anti-proliferative activity in-vitro against choriocarcinoma (BeWo) and non-transformed Human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells, and for its anti-migratory/tube formation activity against HUVEC cells in-vitro. Subsequently, the angiosuppressive activity of S. marginatum was established by inhibition of angiogenesis in in-vivo (peritoneal angiogenesis and chorioallantoic membrane assay) and ex-vivo (rat cornea assay) models.
RESULTS
Most brown seaweed extracts inhibited the proliferation of EAT cells, while green and red seaweed extracts were much less effective. According to the results, SME selectively inhibited proliferation of BeWo cells in-vitro in a dose-dependent manner, but had a lesser effect on HEK 293 cells. SME also suppressed the migration and tube formation of HUVEC cells in-vitro. In addition, SME was able to suppress VEGF-induced angiogenesis in the chorio allantoic membrane, rat cornea, and tumor induced angiogenesis in the peritoneum of EAT bearing mice. A decrease in the microvessel density count and CD31 antigen staining of treated mice peritoneum provided further evidence of its angiosuppressive activity.
CONCLUSIONS
Altogether, the data underline that VEGF mediated angiogenesis is the target for the angiosuppressive action of SME and could potentially be useful in cancer prevention or treatment involving stimulated angiogenesis.

Keyword

Angiogenesis; seaweeds; anti-proliferation; antitumor; VEGF

MeSH Terms

Allantois
Animals
Antigens, CD31
Carcinoma, Ehrlich Tumor
Cell Line
Chorioallantoic Membrane
Choriocarcinoma
Cornea
Diet
Female
HEK293 Cells
Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Humans
Kidney
Methanol
Mice
Microvessels
Models, Theoretical*
Peritoneum
Pregnancy
Rats
Seaweed
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
Antigens, CD31
Methanol
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Effect of 15 seaweed methanolic extracts on proliferation of EAT cells in-vitro. EAT cells were plated in 12 well plates and incubated for 48 h. Seaweed extracts of 100 µg ml-1 concentration were added to the wells in triplicate prior to addition of 3[H] thymidine followed by incubation for another 48 h. The cells were trypsinized after two days and processed for scintillation counting. Values are presented as mean ± SD (n = 3).

• 

  Fig. 2 Effect of S. marginatum extract (SME) on proliferation of HEK-293 and BeWo cells in-vitro. (A) HEK-293 and (B) BeWo cells were plated in 12 well plates and incubated for 48h. SME in concentrations of 0.005, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075 and 0.1 mg ml-1 was added to the wells in triplicate prior to addition of 3[H] thymidine followed by incubation for another 48 h. The cells were trypsinized after two days and processed for scintillation counting. Values are presented as mean ± SD (n = 3).

• 

  Fig. 3 Inhibitory effect of S. marginatum extract (SME) on VEGF induced tube formation in-vitro. HUVEC's were seeded into the matrigel layer in a 96-well plate. (A) VEGF alone (+ ve control), (B) without VEGF (-ve control), (C) VEGF + SME (5 µg/ well), (D) VEGF + SME (10 µg/ well). The experiment was repeated three times with similar results (values are presented as mean ± S.D; n = 3). Three replicate fields of triplicate wells were digitally photographed.

• 

  Fig. 4 Effect of S. marginatum extract (SME) on HUVEC cell migration in an in-vitro scratch wound healing assay. The representative phase-contrast images show migration of cells into the wounded area. (A) Wound closure in control wells at 1) 0h, 2) 3h, 3) 6h, 4) 18h, 5) 24h, 6) 36h and 7) 42h. (B) Wound closure in SME (100 µg/ well) treated wells at 1) 0h, 2) 3h, 3) 6h, 4) 18h, 5) 24h, 6) 36h and 7) 42h.

• 

  Fig. 5 Effect of SME on blood vessel regression in the chick CAM and rat cornea assays in-vivo. (A) Photographs of VEGF-induced neovascularization observed in CAM: (1) Saline (- control), (2) VEGF alone (+ control), (3) VEGF + SME (100 µg) was applied to the CAM of 11-day-old chicken embryos. After incubation for 48h, the treated area was inspected for changes in neovascularization. The arrows indicate the treated area. The data shown represent the result of an experiment performed using a maximum of six eggs in each group. All photographs were taken at 40 × magnification. (B) Photographs of VEGF-induced neovascularization observed in rat corneas: (1) hydron polymer + VEGF (1 µg) (+ control), (2) hydron polymer alone (- control), and (3) hydron polymer + VEGF + SME (100 µg). After incubation for seven days, the corneas were photographed at 40 × magnification.

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  Fig. 6 In-vivo inhibition of tumor growth and angiogenesis by S. marginatum extract (SME). (A) Body weights of EAT-bearing untreated mice or mice treated with SME were recorded. From the sixth day onward, SME (4 mg kg-1 body weight) was administered (i.p) every day for six days; the animals were sacrificed on the 12th day. (B) EAT cells were collected along with ascites fluid and measured, (C) Cells were counted using a haemocytometer, (D) The peritoneum of the animal was photographed: (1) Control, (2) SME treated. At least six mice were used in each group and the results obtained are an average of three individual experiments and mean of ± SD (n = 6 per group).

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  Fig. 7 S. marginatum extract (SME) inhibits MVD and proliferation of endothelial cells in mouse peritoneum. (A) The peritoneums of control (1) as well as SME-treated (2) EAT-bearing mice were embedded in paraffin and 5 µm sections were made using a microtome. The sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and observed for microvessel density (40×). Arrows indicate the microvessels. (B) Paraffin sections (5 µm) of peritoneum of control (1) and SME (2) mice were immunostained with anti-CD31 (PECAM) anti-bodies. Arrows indicate the stained activated endothelial cells.

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