Stylosin Exerts Cytotoxic and Apoptogenic Effects in Human Malignant Glioblastoma Line and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells: The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species

Abstract

Objective:: Cancer is one of the major public health challenges globally and the second cause of death in developed countries. Studies have shown that natural products can be effective in treating cancer. The present study was conducted on the cytotoxicity and apoptogenic effects of stylosin on the HepG2 and U87 cell lines. Methods and Materials:: First, the cytotoxicity effect of stylosin was investigated using the MTT method. Also, the production of reactive oxygen species was measured. The amount of cell apoptosis was determined by the Sub G1 Peak method. Finally, to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in stylosin toxicity, the expression of P53, BAX, Bcl-2, Caspase 3, Caspase 9, and p53 genes were evaluated by the RT-PCR method. Results:: Stylosin causes cytotoxicity in HepG2 and U87 cells in a time and concentrationdependent pattern. It also significantly increases ROS production and stimulates apoptosis. It induced a substantial enhancement in the expression of BAX, caspase3, and Caspase9 genes in HepG2 while decreasing Bcl-2 production and up-regulation of Caspase 3, Caspase 9, and p53 in U87 cells. Conclusion:: It is concluded that Stylosin can probably inhibit the proliferation of the cancer cell line by affecting the expression of genes involved in apoptosis and the production of ROS.