Combined treatment of human colorectal cancer cells with silibinin and metformin may induce apoptosis at a dose that does not affect HCoEpiC.
Increase in apoptosis by combination of metformin with silibinin in human colorectal cancer cells.
AI Summary
Key Findings
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the effect of metformin on silibinin-induced apoptosis in human colorectal cancer (COLO 205) cells. METHODS: MTT assays were performed to quantify cell viability. Western blot assays were applied to identify the expression of signaling proteins. RESULTS: The combined treatment of COLO 205 cells with metformin and silibinin decreased cell survival at a dose insufficient to influence the non-malignant cells [Human colonic epithelial cells (HCoEpiC)]. Silibinin and metformin increased phosphatase and tensin homolog and 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase expression in COLO 205 cells and inhibited the phosphorylation of mammol/Lalian target of rapamycin. This combined treatment resulted in an increase in the expression of activated caspase 3 and apoptosis inducing factor, indicating apoptosis. CONCLUSION: The combined treatment of human colorectal cancer cells with silibinin and metformin may induce apoptosis at a dose that does not affect HCoEpiC. This finding reveals a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Affiliation
Cheng-Chia Tsai
External References
- PubMed ID:
- 25892866
Comments
Sign in or create a free account to join the conversation.
Sign in to commentBe the first to comment.