Induction of apoptosis by Icariside II through extrinsic and intrinsic signaling pathways in human breast cancer MCF7 cells

The anti-tumor effect of Icariside II (IcaS), a natural prenylated flavonol glycoside, was studied on human breast cancer MCF7 cells to unveil the underlying mechanisms involved. IcaS in MCF7 cells produced a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and release of cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), and activation of caspase-9 revealed the involvement of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. In contrast, IcaS enhanced the expression level of Fas and the Fas-associated death domain (FADD), and activated caspase-8, suggesting the involvement of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway. IcaS also increased the expression of Bax and BimL without affecting the expression status of Bcl-2 and Bid, suggesting that the apoptosis induced by IcaS was related to Bcl-2 family protein regulation. IcaS thus induced apoptosis in MCF7 cells involving both the intrinsic and extrinsic signaling pathways. Its potential as a candidate for an anti-cancer agent warrants further investigation.