Phenethyl Isothiocyanate Induces Apoptosis Through ROS Generation and Caspase-3 Activation in Cervical Cancer Cells
Shoaib Shoaib1, Saba Tufail1, Mohammad Asif Sherwani2
1Department of Biochemistry, J.N.M.C, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India.
Abstract:
The latest research shows that current chemotherapeutics are ineffective because of the development of resistance in cervical cancer cells, and hence, their scope of use is limited. The main concern of researchers at the moment is the discovery of safe and effective antiproliferative plant chemicals that can aid in the battle against cervical cancer. Previous studies have shown the possible anticancer potential of phenethyl isothiocyanate obtained from cruciferous plants for many cancers, which targets various signaling pathways to exercise chemopreventive and therapeutic effects. This provides the basis for studying phenethyl isothiocyanate's therapeutic potential against cervical cancer. In the present study, cervical cancer cells were treated with various doses of phenethyl isothiocyanate, alone and in combination with cisplatin. Phenethyl isothiocyanate alone was sufficient to cause nucleus condensation and fragmentation and induce apoptosis in cervical cancer cells, but evident synergistic effects were observed in combination with cisplatin. In addition, phenethyl isothiocyanate treatment increased the production of intracellular ROS in a dose-dependent manner in cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, investigation of phenethyl isothiocyanate induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, and activation of caspases showed that phenethyl isothiocyanate significantly activated caspase-3.
Insights
Phenethyl isothiocyanate shows promise against cervical cancer by inducing apoptosis and enhancing cisplatin
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Current chemotherapeutics face limitations due to resistance in cervical cancer cells.
- There is a need for safe, effective antiproliferative plant-derived compounds.
- Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) from cruciferous plants has shown anticancer potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of phenethyl isothiocyanate against cervical cancer.
- To evaluate the effects of PEITC alone and in combination with cisplatin on cervical cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Cervical cancer cells were treated with varying doses of PEITC.
- Combinatorial treatment with PEITC and cisplatin was assessed.
- Apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and caspase activation were analyzed.
Main Results:
- PEITC alone induced nucleus condensation, fragmentation, and apoptosis in cervical cancer cells.
- Synergistic apoptotic effects were observed when PEITC was combined with cisplatin.
- PEITC dose-dependently increased intracellular and mitochondrial ROS production and activated caspase-3.
Conclusions:
- Phenethyl isothiocyanate exhibits significant antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on cervical cancer cells.
- PEITC shows synergistic potential when combined with cisplatin, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy.
- The induction of apoptosis via ROS generation and caspase activation highlights PEITC's mechanism of action.
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