Astaxanthin's Impact on Colorectal Cancer: Examining Apoptosis, Antioxidant Enzymes, and Gene Expression

Abstract

Background Colorectal cancer stands as the prevailing form of cancer affecting the digestive tract. Antioxidants have been observed to influence the activity of antioxidant enzymes and elevate the expression of genes within the apoptosis pathway. Consequently, this dynamic interplay appears to suppress the progression of colorectal cancer. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effect of astaxanthin on the expression of effective genes in apoptosis and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells. Methods In this experimental investigation, HCT-116 cells underwent treatment with varying concentrations of astaxanthin for a duration of 24 hours. Subsequently, the expression levels of BAX, Bcl2, and caspase 3 genes were quantified using real-time PCR, while malondialdehyde levels and antioxidant enzyme activity were analyzed utilizing calorimetric methods. Results The analysis of gene expression outcomes revealed that astaxanthin elicited significant effects. It augmented the expression of BAX and caspase-3 genes, thereby promoting apoptosis while concurrently downregulating the expression of the Bcl2 gene. Consequently, this led to a decrease in malondialdehyde concentration, serving as an oxidative stress index. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase showed significant increases in these treated cells. Conclusion Astaxanthin appears to modulate the antioxidant defense system within cancer cells. This is achieved by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes while concurrently inhibiting cell growth and proliferation. Furthermore, the compound triggers apoptosis in HCT-116 cell lines, further contributing to its potential as a therapeutic agent in cancer treatment.