The Potential Anticancer Potency of Kolaviron on Colorectal Adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) Cells

Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is categorized as the third type of cancer associated with mortalities. Chemotherapeutic drugs such as cisplatin can be used to treat cancer-affected patients. However, several adverse effects are associated with its application. This motivated the researchers to search for alternatives that are more efficient and have fewer undesirable effects. Kolaviron is a bioflavonoid that has been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

This study aimed to compare the anticancer effects of kolaviron and cisplatin on Caco-2 cells. The IC₅₀ of kolaviron and cisplatin were calculated, and redox status, apoptotic-related proteins and the cell cycle were also examined.

Caco-2 cells were treated with kolaviron ( ⅓, and ½ of IC₅₀ dose) and cisplatin (IC₅₀ dose) for 24 h and 48 h. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT protocol. Redox status and apoptotic-related proteins, in addition to the cell cycle, were examined.

The MTT assay showed the IC₅₀ of kolaviron is 9.49 μg/mL, and that of cisplatin is 2.71 μg/ml against Caco-2 cells. Further, both doses of kolaviron significantly increased the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipoperoxidation (LPO), besides decreasing the antioxidant potency of tumor cells as revealed by the diminished reduced glutathione (GSH). At the molecular level, a significant increase in the levels of p53, cytochrome c, Bax, and caspase 3 was recorded, coupled with a decrease in the level of Bcl2, after treating the Caco-2 cells with kolaviron and cisplatin. Furthermore, kolaviron demonstrated asserted more effects on apoptosis and increased cell percentage in the subG1 phase. In addition, a notable decrease in the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cyclin D1 is associated with an increase in the expression of tumor protein P53 (TP53) in kolaviron-treated Caco-2 cells cancerous cells.

Conclusively, these data suggest that kolaviron has a potential antitumor capacity against colorectal cancer via multiple pathways, including enhancement of ROS production, redox status, p53 pathway, and apoptosis. Therefore, this study authenticated the capability of kolaviron as a valuable chemotherapeutic agent.