Bioactive Compounds in Inocutis levis and their Cytotoxic Effects on MCF-7 and HT-29 Cancer Cells

Background and Objectives

Fungi are undeniable sources of all types of secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds. Inocutis levis is a polypore fungus belonging to Hymenochaetales of basidiomycetes. This study aimed to identify the compounds in the extract and investigate the cytotoxicity effect of Inocutis levis on different cell lines (MCF-7, HT-29 and HFF).

Materials and Methods

The extract was obtained by rotary evaporator and LC/MS was used to identify the compounds in the extract. The cytotoxic effect of Inocutis levis against MCF-7, HT-29 and HFF cells was evaluated using MTT assay, 24 and 48 hr after the addition of the extract. Also, flow cytometry analysis was carried out to study the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Results

The LC/MS assay data showed that the mushroom extract contains antioxidant compounds. Based on the MTT test, Inocutis levis extract did not decrease the viability of non-cancerous HFF cells. Still, it was able to inhibit the growth and increase the death in HT-29 cells at a concentration of 100 µg/mL after 24 and 48 hr (p<0.05) also, MCF-7 cells at concentrations of 1 and 10 and 100 µg/mL after 24 and 48 hr (p<0.05). Evaluation of the cell cycle 48 hr after adding the extract by flow cytometry, showed that the mushroom extract induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells.

Conclusion

Inocutis levis contains antioxidant compounds and can inhibit the growth of HT-29 and especially MCF-7 cancer cells via the induction of apoptosis.