Cell death induction and intracellular vesicle formation in human colorectal cancer cells treated with Δ<SUP>9</SUP>-Tetrahydrocannabinol

초록

Background Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC) is a principal psychoactive extract of Cannabis sativa and has been traditionally used as palliative medicine for neuropathic pain. Cannabidiol (CBD), an extract of hemp species, has recently attracted increased attention as a cancer treatment, but Delta(9)-THC is also requiring explored pharmacological application.Objective This study evaluated the pharmacological effects of Delta(9)-THC in two human colorectal cancer cell lines. We investigated whether Delta(9)-THC treatment induces cell death in human colorectal cancer cells.Methods We performed an MTT assay to determine the pharmacological concentration of Delta(9)-THC. Annxein V and Western blot analysis confirmed that Delta(9)-THC induced apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. Metabolic activity was evaluated using MitoTracker staining and ATP determination. We investigated vesicle formation by Delta(9)-THC treatment using GW9662, known as a PPAR gamma inhibitor.Results The MTT assay showed that treatment with 40 mu M Delta(9)-THC and above inhibited the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. Multiple intracytoplasmic vesicles were detected upon microscopic observation, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis showed cell death via G1 arrest. Delta(9)-THC treatment increased the expression of cell death marker proteins, including p53, cleaved PARP-1, RIP1, and RIP3, suggesting that Delta(9)-THC induced the death of colorectal cancer cells. Delta(9)-THC treatment also reduced ATP production via changes in Bax and Bcl-2. Delta(9)-THC regulated intracytoplasmic vesicle formation by modulating the expression of PPAR gamma and clathrin, adding that antiproliferative activity of Delta(9)-THC was also affected.Conclusion In conclusion, Delta(9)-THC regulated two functional mechanisms, intracellular vesicle formation and cell death. These findings can help to determine how cannabinoids can be used most effectively to improve the efficacy of cancer treatment.

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