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Therapeutic potential of HIV nosode 30c as evaluated in A549 lung cancer cells
Anisur Rahman Khuda-Bukhsh1, Jesmin Mondal1, Rajesh Shah2
1Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, India.
Objectives:
To examine if HIV nosode in 30c dilution (HIV 30c) has therapeutic potential against lung cancer cells (A549) as compared to WRL-68 normal cells and to elucidate its possible molecular mechanism of action on DNA replication and apoptosis.
Methods:
Effects of HIV 30c were thoroughly tested for its possible anticancer potential on A549 cells (lung cancer); WRL-68 normal liver cells served as control. Three doses, one at LD50 and two below LD-50, were used. Proliferation, migration and senescence assays were made and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) studied by routine techniques. The ability of HIV 30c to induce apoptosis in A549 cells and its possible signalling pathway were determined using immunoblots of relevant signal proteins and confocal microscopy, including studies on telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and topoisomerase II (Top II) activities, intimately associated with cell division and DNA replication.
Results:
HIV 30c prevented cancer cell proliferation and migration, induced pre-mature senescence, enhanced pro-apoptotic signal proteins like p53, bax, cytochrome c, caspase-3 and inhibited anti-apoptotic signal proteins Bcl2, TERT and Top II, changed mitochondrial membrane potential and caused externalization of phosphatidyl serine. Thus, it induced apoptosis as also evidenced from increase in cells with distorted membrane morphology, nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation, and ROS, typical of apoptosis in progress.
Conclusion:
HIV 30c nosode has therapeutic potential for inducing cytotoxic effects on A549 cells as manifested by changes in nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation, ROS generation and MMP, and for its inhibitory action on cell proliferation, cell migration, expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase and Top II genes, and increasing expression of pro-apoptotic genes.
Insights
HIV 30c nosode demonstrates therapeutic potential against lung cancer cells by inhibiting proliferation and migration while inducing apoptosis. This homeopathic preparation shows promise in targeting cancer cells selectively.
Area of Science:
- Homeopathic research
- Cancer biology
- Molecular mechanisms of apoptosis
Background:
- Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
- Investigating novel therapeutic agents, including homeopathic preparations, is crucial for cancer treatment.
- Understanding the molecular pathways involved in cancer cell death is essential for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of HIV 30c, a homeopathic nosode, against A549 lung cancer cells.
- To compare the effects of HIV 30c on cancer cells versus normal WRL-68 liver cells.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying HIV 30c's action, focusing on DNA replication and apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Assessing the impact of HIV 30c on A549 cell proliferation, migration, and senescence.
- Quantifying reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial membrane potential.
- Analyzing apoptosis induction via immunoblots for key signaling proteins (p53, Bax, Bcl2, Caspase-3), confocal microscopy, and assessment of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and topoisomerase II (Top II) activity.
Main Results:
- HIV 30c significantly inhibited proliferation and migration of A549 lung cancer cells.
- The nosode induced premature senescence and apoptosis, evidenced by increased pro-apoptotic markers (p53, Bax, cytochrome c, caspase-3) and decreased anti-apoptotic markers (Bcl2, TERT, Top II).
- Apoptosis was further confirmed by changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, phosphatidylserine externalization, nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation, and elevated ROS levels.
Conclusions:
- HIV 30c exhibits significant cytotoxic effects on A549 lung cancer cells.
- The therapeutic potential lies in its ability to inhibit cell proliferation and migration, induce apoptosis, and modulate key molecular targets like TERT and Top II.
- These findings suggest HIV 30c may serve as a potential agent for lung cancer therapy, warranting further investigation.
