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Thymoquinone Potentiates Methotrexate Mediated-Apoptosis in Saos-2 Osteosarcoma Cell Line
Payam Ali Khyavi1, Amir Valizadeh2, Dariush Shanehbandi3
1Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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 (P<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.
Insights
Thymoquinone (TQ) enhances methotrexate (MTX)-induced apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells. This study reveals TQ as a potential therapeutic agent for osteosarcoma by boosting MTX
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural polyphenol, shows therapeutic potential against various cancers, including osteosarcoma.
- The precise mechanisms of TQ's anti-cancer effects, particularly in osteosarcoma, require further elucidation.
- This study focuses on TQ's impact on methotrexate (MTX)-induced apoptosis in Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synergistic effect of thymoquinone (TQ) and methotrexate (MTX) on osteosarcoma cell apoptosis.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying TQ's action in combination with MTX.
- To assess TQ's potential as an adjuvant therapy for osteosarcoma.
Main Methods:
- Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells were treated with MTX, TQ, or a combination of both.
- Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay.
- Apoptotic marker gene expression (Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3) was quantified via qRT-PCR.
Main Results:
- Methotrexate (MTX) significantly inhibited osteosarcoma cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner.
- The combination of TQ and MTX demonstrated enhanced inhibition of cell proliferation compared to single treatments (P<0.05).
- TQ upregulated pro-apoptotic markers (Bax, caspase-3) and downregulated anti-apoptotic markers (Bcl-2), augmenting MTX-induced apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Thymoquinone (TQ) potentiates MTX-induced apoptosis in Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells.
- TQ regulates key apoptotic markers, suggesting a role in modulating cell death pathways.
- These findings support TQ's potential as a therapeutic agent to enhance MTX efficacy in osteosarcoma treatment.
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