Polyphyllin D, a steroidal saponin in Paris polyphylla, induces apoptosis and necroptosis cell death of neuroblastoma cells

Purpose Neuroblastoma is a refractory pediatric malignant solid tumor. The previous studies demonstrated that Polyphyllin D, the main constituent of Paris polyphylla, a traditional Chinese medicine, exerts an anti-tumor effect on many tumors. However, its effects against neuroblastomas are unclear. Methods We examined the anti-tumor effect of polyphyllin D in human neuroblastoma using IMR-32 and LA-N-2 cells, which exhibit MYCN gene amplification, and NB-69 cells, which do not exhibit MYCN gene amplification. Results All cell lines showed reduced cell viability in response to polyphyllin D treatment. No caspase-3/-7, -8, and -9 activity was observed in IMR-32 and LA-N-2 cells treated with polyphyllin D. In contrast, activation of caspase-3/-7, and -8 activity was observed in NB-69 cells. When polyphyllin D and specific inhibitors of RIPK3 involved in necroptosis were added to IMR-32 and LA-N-2 cell lines, polyphyllin D-induced cell death was inhibited. Conclusion Together, this indicates that the underlying mechanism of polyphyllin D-induced cell death in NB-69 cells is apoptosis, whereas the cell death of IMR-32 and LA-N-2 cells occurs by necroptosis. We continue research on this topic and look forward the discovery of a new therapeutic agent for neuroblastoma.