Cell Death Induced by the Combination of Ephedra sinica Extract and Radiation in HNSCC is Positively Related to BAX and p-MLKL Expression.
Anticancer Agents Med Chem
; 24(1): 50-57, 2024.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37921146
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Numerous studies have proven the efficacy and safety of natural products, and are widely used as attractive cancer treatments. The investigation of effective natural products for improving cancer treatment is a promising strategy. Combination treatment with radiosensitizers and radiotherapy (RT) is considered necessary for therapeutic improvement in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC).OBJECTIVE:
This study aims to investigate whether Ephedra sinica (ES) extract could induce selective cell death in cancer cells and serve as a radiosensitizer for HNSCC.METHODS:
HNSCC cells were pretreated with ES extract before radiation, and the radiosensitizing activity was assessed using a colony formation assay. Radiation-induced cell death was evaluated using an annexinV-FITC assay. Western blotting was performed to confirm cell death-related gene expression, including apoptosis and necrosis markers.RESULTS:
ES extract significantly inhibited HNSCC cell viability (FaDu and SNU1076), while having minimal effect on normal HaCaT cells. When HNSCC cells were irradiated with 2, 4, or 8 Gy and cultured with ES extract (25 µg/mL), they exhibited increased radiation sensitivity compared to non-treated cells. The combination of ES extract and radiation resulted in increased cell death compared to non-treated, ES-treated, or irradiated cells. The apoptosis marker BAX and necrosis marker p-MLKL expression levels were also elevated following the combination treatment.CONCLUSION:
ES extract demonstrated significant cytotoxic potential in HNSCC cells without affecting normal cells. It enhanced the radiosensitivity of HNSCC cells by upregulating BAX and p-MLKL expression, leading to increased cell death. These results suggest ES extract exhibits a potential radiosensitizing capacity in HNSCC.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Medicinas Tradicionais:
Medicinas_tradicionales_de_asia
/
Medicina_china
Assunto principal:
Radiossensibilizantes
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Produtos Biológicos
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Carcinoma de Células Escamosas
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Ephedra sinica
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Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Anticancer Agents Med Chem
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article