In vitro evaluation of apoptotic markers triggered by ptx-2 in caco-2 and neuroblastoma cells

الملخص EN

Pectenotoxins are a family of cyclic polyethers that have been reported to contaminate shellfish in many parts of the world.

The source of these phycotoxins is algae of the genus Dinophysis which contain pectenotoxin-2 (PTX-2).

The present study evaluated the ability of PTX-2 to cause apoptotic changes in Caco-2 cells, an intestinal cell line and in BE (2)-M17, a neuroblastoma cell line.

Different markers of apoptosis such as DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential and caspases activation were studied and the effect of PTX-2 on cell proliferation was also analysed in the present study.

Results indicated that neither DNA laddering, nor caspase activation occurs after PTX-2 treatment in Caco-2 cells.

Moreover, no effect on cell viability in neuroblastoma cells was recorded, although PTX-2 slightly inhibited cell proliferation in Caco-2 cells.