Toxic effects induced by curcumin in human astrocytoma cell lines

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the toxicity induced by curcumin in human astrocytoma cell lines.

Methods: The effects induced by curcumin, at 100?µM for 24?h, were evaluated in four astrocytoma cell lines using crystal violet assay and through the evaluation of morphological and ultrastructural changes by electron microscopy. Also, the results of vital staining with acridine orange and propidium iodide for acidic vesicles and apoptotic bodies were analyzed and the expression of the Beclin1 gene was assessed by RT-PCR.

Results: The cells treated with curcumin at 100?µM induced an inhibitory concentration₅₀ of viability with morphological changes characterized by a progressive increase in large, non-acidic vesicles devoid of cytoplasmic components and organelles, but that conserved the cell nuclei. No DNA breakage was observed. The astrocytoma cells showed no apoptosis, necrosis or autophagy. Expression of BECLIN1 was not induced (p?Conclusions: Curcumin at 100?µm induced a new type of death cell in astrocytoma cell lines.