Sesamol induces cytotoxicity via mitochondrial apoptosis in SCC-25 cells
D Ezhilarasan1, D Ali2, R Varghese3
1Department of Pharmacology, The Blue Laboratory, Molecular Medicine and Toxicology Division, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, 194347Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India.
Abstract:
Sesamol is the main constituent of sesame seed oil and is obtained from Sesamum indicum. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common neoplasms affecting the oral cavity. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic potentials of sesamol on human oral squamous carcinoma (SCC-25) cells. Human oral squamous carcinoma cells were treated with different concentrations (62.5, 125, and 250 μM/mL) of sesamol for 24 h. Cytotoxicity was analyzed by 3- (4, 5- dimethylthiazol -2- yl) -2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression was investigated by dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate assay. Apoptosis-related morphology was analyzed by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. Caspase-9 expression was analyzed by confocal microscopic double immunofluorescence staining. Mitochondrial apoptosis-related markers are analyzed using qPCR. Sesamol treatment caused a significant cytotoxic effect in OSCC cells. Sesamol-induced cytotoxic effect was associated with intracellular ROS generation. Sesamol treatments induced a significant increase in the early and late apoptotic cells. This treatment also induced caspase-9 expression in OSCC cells. Sesamol treatments caused downregulation of Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (HRAS) expression at protein and gene levels. Sesamol treatment modulates intrinsic apoptotic marker gene expression in OSCC cells. Overall results confirm the anti-cancer potential of sesamol and it seems to be a promising candidate for OSCC.
Insights
Sesamol, derived from sesame seeds, exhibits significant anti-cancer properties against oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). It effectively induces cancer cell death through apoptosis and reactive oxygen species generation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sesamol is a key compound found in sesame seed oil from *Sesamum indicum*.
- Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent oral malignancy.
- Understanding sesamol's therapeutic potential against OSCC is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytotoxic effects of sesamol on human oral squamous carcinoma (SCC-25) cells.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying sesamol's anti-cancer activity in OSCC.
Main Methods:
- Cells were treated with varying concentrations of sesamol (62.5–250 μM/mL) for 24 hours.
- Cytotoxicity assessed via MTT assay.
- Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) measured using a dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate assay.
- Apoptosis analyzed by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining.
- Caspase-9 expression and mitochondrial apoptosis markers evaluated using immunofluorescence and qPCR.
- Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (HRAS) expression analyzed at protein and gene levels.
Main Results:
- Sesamol demonstrated significant dose-dependent cytotoxicity against OSCC cells.
- Sesamol treatment induced intracellular ROS generation and promoted apoptosis.
- Caspase-9 expression and intrinsic apoptotic markers were modulated by sesamol.
- Downregulation of HRAS at both protein and gene levels was observed.
Conclusions:
- Sesamol exhibits potent anti-cancer effects on oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.
- The anti-cancer activity is mediated through ROS generation, apoptosis induction, and modulation of key signaling pathways.
- Sesamol represents a promising natural compound for the development of novel OSCC therapies.
