Hydroxytyrosol may induce apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. - GreenMedInfo Summary

Purpose: Colorectal cancer is the third-most commonly occurring cancer in developed countries. Hydroxytyrosol is a potent antioxidant that has several activities, such as oxidative-stress control, inhibition of cell proliferation, and induction of apoptosis. In this study, the effect of hydroxytyrosol on the expression of genes effective in apoptosis -,,,,, and- and antioxidant-enzyme activity in LS180 cells of human colorectal cancer was investigated.

Methods: The human colorectal cancer cell line LS180 was treated with different concentrations of hydroxytyrosol for 24 hours. Expression of,,,,, andwas investigated using real-time PCR. The activity of antioxidant and malondialdehyde enzymes was measured by calorimetric methods.

Results: Analysis of gene expression showed that hydroxytyrosol significantly increased the expression ofand the BAX:BCL2 ratio in treatment groups compared to the control (<0.05). Also, hydroxytyrosol significantly reduced the expression of thegene (<0.05). Calorimetric analysis showed that hydroxytyrosol increased activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in treatment groups significantly more than the control group and reduced thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances on an oxidative stress index (<0.05).

Conclusion: Hydroxytyrosol may induce apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells by increasing the expression ofgene and increasing the:ratio. Also, hydroxytyrosol may increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduce the proliferation of LS180 cells by changing the antioxidant-defense system in cancer cells.