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Suppression of oral cancer by induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis using Juniperus communis extract

Ching-Chang Lee1,2, Chih-Yen Hsiao3,4, Shan-Chih Lee5,6

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 80284, Taiwan, R.O.C.

Bioscience Reports
|August 29, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Juniperus communis extract (JCo) inhibits oral cancer growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. JCo also synergizes with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), showing potential as an adjuvant cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

  • Oral cancer incidence is rising, posing a significant mortality risk.
  • Juniperus communis (J. communis) extract (JCo) shows prior anti-cancer activity.
  • Investigating JCo's anti-cancer mechanisms in oral cancer is warranted.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the anti-cancer mechanisms of J. communis extract (JCo) on oral cancer cells.
  • To evaluate the synergistic effects of JCo combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).

Main Methods:

  • Oral cancer cells were treated with J. communis extract (JCo).
  • Cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and signaling pathways (p53/p21, Rb) were analyzed.
  • Synergistic effects of JCo and 5-FU on cell viability were assessed.

Main Results:

  • JCo inhibited oral cancer cell proliferation and exhibited lower toxicity to normal cells.
  • JCo induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest via p53/p21 and Rb signaling.
  • JCo promoted apoptosis through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.
  • JCo demonstrated a synergistic effect with 5-FU in reducing cell viability.

Conclusions:

  • J. communis extract (JCo) inhibits oral cancer growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
  • JCo exhibits significant synergy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).
  • JCo holds potential as an adjuvant and novel therapeutic agent for oral cancer.
Keywords:
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)Juniperus communisOral cancercell apoptosiscell cyclesynergistic effect

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