Thymoquinone potentiates methotrexate mediated-apoptosis in Saos-2 osteosarcoma cell line. - GreenMedInfo Summary

INTRODUCTION: Recently, various studies have concentrated on the therapeutic potential of thymoquinone (TQ), a natural polyphenol, in various human malignancies, including osteosarcoma. However, the underlying mechanisms in TQ-mediated anti-cancer effects are not yet fully understood. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of TQ on methotrexate (MTX)-induced apoptosis in Saos-2 cells.

METHODS: Saos-2 cells were treated with MTX, TQ, and a combination of both, and cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. mRNA expression of apoptotic markers, including Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3, was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

RESULTS: MTX resulted in significant inhibition of cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The combination of TQ and MTX inhibited proliferation compared to single treatments (<0.05). TQ also induced apoptosis by regulating pro-apoptotic markers including Bax and caspase-3 and reducing anti-apoptotic mediators including Bcl-2. In addition, TQ increased MTX-induced apoptosis in Saos-2 cells.

CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study highlight new insights into understanding the role of TQ as a potential therapeutic agent in osteosarcoma by increasing MTX-induced apoptosis.