Shikonin-induced Apoptosis of Colon Cancer Cells Is Reduced by Peroxiredoxin V Expression

Abstract

Background/aim: Colon cancer is the second most common deadliest malignancy in the world and better understanding of its underlying mechanisms is needed to improve clinical management. Natural plant extracts are gaining attention in the development of new therapeutic strategies against various cancer types. Shikonin is a naturally extracted naphthoquinone pigment with effects against cancer, including colon cancer.

Materials and methods: In this study, we conducted a series of in vitro experiments to show the effects of Shikonin on colon cancer cell apoptosis. A colon cancer cell line with overexpression of peroxiredoxin V (PrxV) was constructed and the relationship of PrxV expression with Shikonin-induced cell apoptosis was investigated.

Results: Shikonin induced colon cancer cell apoptosis via regulation of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. Shikonin-induced cell apoptosis was abrogated by overexpression of PrxV.

Conclusion: According to the results obtained in this study, targeting PrxV may provide new insight for the successful management of colon cancer by inducing cell apoptosis.

Keywords: Peroxiredoxin V; ROS; Shikonin; colon cancer; mTOR.