Isothiocyanate iberin modulates phase II enzymes, posttranslational modification of histones and inhibits growth of Caco-2 cells through induction of apoptosis

The aim of presented study was to further investigate the concentration-dependent changes induced by isothiocyanate iberin (IBN) in human colon carcinoma Caco-2 cells. The concentrations of IBN below IC50 value (18 μM, 72 h) triggered the augmentation of mRNA levels for phase II detoxification GSTA1 and UGT1A1 enzymes and antioxidant thioredoxin reductase 1 gene in cells treated for 24 h. In addition a significant increase of acetylated H4 histone was detected. The mRNA induction peaked at IC50 value and returned to level of control cells at 40 μM concentration of IBN. The cell cycle changes, -H2AX stainability and the increase of phospho-H3 mitotic marker were induced at concentrations above IC50 value. Appearance of Annexin V positive apoptotic cells and sub-G1 fragmented DNA as well as decrease of mitochondrial transmembrane potential confirmed cytotoxic effect of IBN observed in MTT assay. The predominance of necrotic cells and profound positivity of -H2AX took place at the highest concentration of IBN. Thus, IBN represents the effective member of natural chemopreventive isothiocyanate family with which apoptotic potential can by employed to eliminate tumor cells.