Preparation and Characterization of <i>Dictyophora indusiata</i> Polysaccharide–Zinc Complex and Its Augmented Antiproliferative Activity on Human Cancer Cells

Abstract

Dictyophora indusiata polysaccharide (DP1) was successfully chelated with zinc chloride to achieve its enhanced antiproliferative activity. The obtained DP1-Zn complex showed significant antiproliferative activity (18.1 ± 2.84% viability of MCF-7 cells at 250 μg/mL) on a group of human cancer cell lines through induction of apoptosis. The pro-apoptotic action of DP1-Zn was confirmed by morphological changes including chromatin condensation, DNA breakage, and S phase cell cycle arrest in human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7). The DP1-Zn-induced apoptotic pathways were characterized by the activation of caspases-3, -8, and -9, mitochondrial dysfunction, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction (305 ± 7.06% production of control at 250 μg/mL). This study suggested that DP1-Zn can be developed as a candidate for cancer treatment and prevention, especially human breast adenocarcinoma.