Maslinic acid induces anticancer effects in human neuroblastoma cells mediated via apoptosis induction and caspase activation, inhibition of cell migration and invasion and targeting MAPK/ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Yusheng Liu
Lingyan Qiao
Hongting Lu
Qian Dong
Xiwei Hao
Journal: AMB Express (2020)
Discipline: MICROBIOLOGY
Keywords: Apoptosis; Caspases; Invasion; Maslinic acid; Migration
Affiliations: Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 6, Tongfu Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China., Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China. .

Abstract:  Maslinic acid is an active member of pentacyclic triterpenes predominantly found in dietary plants including hawthorn berries and olive fruit skins. It has been reported to show immense pharmacological and biological importance including anticancer property. This research was initiated to explore the anticancer potential of maslinic acid against human neuroblastoma. The effects of maslinic acid on cellular apoptosis, ROS generation, cell migration and invasion, caspase activation and targeting MAPK/ERK signaling pathway were investigated. The proliferation percentage was calculated by performing of MTT assay. AO/EB and annexin V/PI staining assays along with western blotting were used to monitor the apoptosis and expressions of apoptosis connected proteins. Spectrofluorometry was used for ROS monitoring. To assess the anti-metastatic effects of maslinic acid on neuroblastoma cells, transwell chambers assays for migration as well as invasion were executed. Western blotting was implemented to establish the expressions of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway connected proteins. Results evidenced remarkable anticancer potential of maslinic acid against human neuroblastoma. It induced dose as well as time reliant anti-proliferative effects against SHSY-5Y cells selectively. The underlying mechanism of cancer suppressive effects of maslinic acid was found to mediate via caspase-dependent apoptosis. Further, ROS production amplified terrifically with exposure of SHSY-5Y to higher maslinic acid doses. Cell migration and invasion in SHSY-5Y cells were both reduced remarkably by maslinic acid. Finally, the activity of proteins associated with MAPK/ERK signaling pathway was found to be significantly reduced with increasing maslinic acid doses. In conclusion, it was observed that maslinic acid possesses a great anti-neuroblastoma potential and could be considered for its chemotherapy provided further investigations are recommended. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Conflicting claims :  Although there may never be direct physical evidence (*)  there are strong reasons to conclude that DNA- and protein-based life was preceded by a simpler life form based primarily on RNA. No references for geological events on timeline Scenario events presented as historical facts, despite (*) No justification given for dates , 
 The timeline in Fig. 1 is now routinely reproduced by researchers and non-academics, citing this publication as the source. Yet, this seems incorrect, as Fig 1 is presented without the original justification of geological events (including references of reviews establishing these entries), nor does it discuss where the purported historical dates for speculated events come from. Could someone suggest the original source and or justifications (if applicable)? , 
 The discussion would benefit from addition clarity on what is known, what can be known and where that follows from. The introduction considers the RNA-world as hypothetical and underlines no physical evidence may ever come. The conclusion states it as unhypothetical, it calls it a historical fact and specifies numbers. This seems in direct contradiction with the introduction and in the course of reviewing the selected literature nothing is raised as resolution. Is there a subtlety in the discussion that is prone to being misread? How should one best interpret this ambiguity? ,