Apoptotic-induced Effects of Castanea sativa Bark Extract in Human SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells

Castanea sativa Mill. wood extract (ENC) has health-promoting qualities such as antibacterial, antiviral, antispasmodic, cardio- and neuroprotective-activities. Its potential towards cancer cells of the central nervous system, however, is still unexplored. This study investigates the apoptotic-enhancing effect of ENC in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. This extract irreversibly decreased cell viability with IC50 of 142.8 +/- 20.2, 109.3 +/- 16.6 and 82.5 +/- 8.6 mu/mL for 24h, 48 and 72h of treatment, respectively. This was accompanied by cell shrinkage and tendency to round-up. A concentration-dependent increase in sub GO/GI cells as well as a rise in cells with nuclear fragmentation and chromatin condensation, both typical of apoptosis, was also observed. In conclusion, the present findings provide initial data on the potential of ENC for neuroblastoma treatment and offer the rationale for further studies aimed at elucidating the full mechanism(s) underlying its effects.