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Regulatory activities of Warbugia ugandensis ethanolic extracts on colorectal cancer-specific genome expression
John M Macharia1, Ruth W Mwangi2, István Szabó3
1Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pẻcs, Pẻcs, Hungary.
Abstract:
The evaluation of natural biomass sources is a promising strategy in accelerating the development of novel anti-cancer medications. Our study aimed to evaluate the activity of W. ugandensis ethanolic roots and stems extracts on the expression of five targeted genes (COX-2, CASPS-9, Bcl-xL, Bcl2 and 5-LOX) in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines (Caco-2). Plant extracts were obtained using serial exhaustive extraction and dissolved in Dimethyl sulfoxide appropriately for bioassay. Caco-2 cell lines were passaged, treated with plant extracts at varying concentrations and their RNA's isolated for evaluation. Our unique study reports on W. ugandensis as efficient natural inhibitors of CRC growth, by directly linking its phytoconstituents to; downregulation of COX-2, 5-LOX, Bcl-xL, Bcl2 and upregulation of CASPS9 genes dose-dependently. We present W. ugandensis ethanolic roots and stems extracts as promising natural inhibitors for CRC carcinogenesis and recommend in vivo and subsequent clinical trials, with substantial clinical effects postulated. We further suggest studies on identification and characterization of the specific metabolites in W. ugandensis involved in the modulatory mechanisms, resulting to inhibition of CRC growth and possible metastases.
Insights
W. ugandensis extracts show potential as natural colorectal cancer (CRC) inhibitors. These plant compounds effectively downregulate key cancer-promoting genes like COX-2 and upregulate a tumor suppressor gene, CASPS9.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Natural biomass sources offer a promising avenue for developing novel anti-cancer medications.
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-cancer activity of W. ugandensis ethanolic root and stem extracts.
- To investigate the effects of these extracts on the expression of key genes involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines (Caco-2).
Main Methods:
- Serial exhaustive extraction was used to obtain plant extracts.
- Caco-2 cell lines were treated with varying concentrations of W. ugandensis extracts.
- Gene expression analysis was performed on isolated RNA to assess the impact of the extracts on COX-2, CASPS-9, Bcl-xL, Bcl2, and 5-LOX.
Main Results:
- W. ugandensis extracts demonstrated dose-dependent downregulation of COX-2, 5-LOX, Bcl-xL, and Bcl2 genes.
- Upregulation of the CASPS9 gene was observed in a dose-dependent manner.
- These findings link W. ugandensis phytoconstituents to the inhibition of CRC growth.
Conclusions:
- W. ugandensis ethanolic root and stem extracts are effective natural inhibitors of colorectal cancer (CRC) progression.
- Further in vivo studies and clinical trials are recommended to explore the therapeutic potential of W. ugandensis.
- Identification of specific metabolites responsible for the observed anti-cancer effects is warranted.
