By

Hye Jin Boo et al.

Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide, has various biological activities, such as anticancer, antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the mechanisms of fucoidan on anticancer activity have not been fully elucidated.

The anticancer effects of fucoidan extracted from Undra pinnatifida on human lung carcinoma cells were tested and studied

(Examination Method and Result)

First, we examined the cytostatic effect of fucoidan to A549 lung carcinoma cells. Fucoidan inhibits the growth of A549 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. (Fig. 1)

Secondly, we examined the expression of the apoptosis-related proteins, Bcl-2, and Bax. As a result, fucoidan reduced Bcl-2 expression but increased Bax expression. (Fig. 2A) Furthermore, we examined the expression level of apoptosis induction protease caspase 9 and expression level of inert protein procaspase 3 that apoptotic caspase 3. Fucoidan decreased the procaspase 3 levels and increased the caspase 9 levels. (Fig. 2B)

These results suggest that fucoidan indicates anti-cancer effect by inducing apoptosis of A549 cells, and fucoidan might have therapeutic potential for lung cancer treatment.