Galangin induces cell death by modulating the expression of glyoxalase-1 and Nrf-2 in HeLa cells

The present study was designed to understand the anticancer property and molecular mechanisms associated with chemo preventive effects of galangin. The anticancer effect was evaluated in vitro using human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). Galangin was found to be effective in inducing cell death and inhibiting proliferation & migration significantly. The inhibitory effect of galangin could be correlated with the increase in ROS production & induction of apoptosis. Besides this the activity of glyoxalase-1, an enzyme important for the detoxification of cytotoxic metabolite methy glyoxal and Nrf-2 (a trascription factor), involved in redox signalling were found to be decreased. We concluded that galangin exerts its chemo preventive effect via redox signalling by inhibiting glyoxalase-1 & increasing oxidative & carbonyl stress.