Exploring the Impact of Citalopram on Human Colon Cells: Insights into Antidepressant Action Beyond the Brain

Depression is a common comorbidity among cancer patients, including those with colorectal cancer (CRC), often requiring the use of antidepressants such as citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). While citalopram is primarily prescribed for its central nervous system effects, its absorption through the gastrointestinal system raises questions about its direct impact on intestinal cells. This study investigates the dual effects of citalopram on healthy and cancerous colorectal cells to elucidate its potential role beyond mood regulation. Using Raman spectroscopy and imaging combined with statistical analysis, we evaluated the biochemical and structural changes induced by citalopram in normal and CRC human cells. Raman imaging with selective filters for specific chemical compound groups was used to assess the spatial distribution of lipids (1400-1488 cm^-1), proteins (1640-1670 cm^-1), and their combined signal (2834-2874 cm^-1). The obtained images enabled the identification of biochemical composition changes resulting from incubation time with the citalopram factor. An increase in the Raman band intensity ratio I₁₄₄₄/I₁₆₆₀, I₁₀₅₅/I₁₄₄₄, I₁₅₈₄/I₁₀₀₄, I₁₆₆₀/I₁₂₅₆, I₂₈₅₄/I_2930, and reduced I₁₂₄₃/I₁₂₆₃, was observed, indicating enlarged lipid accumulation, protein promotion, deactivation and inhibition of autophagy or apoptotic pathways, improvements in free cholesterol levels, minor changes in nucleic acid composition, increased content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and diminished lipid peroxidation under the influence of citalopram. Obtained results indicate that citalopram affects cellular homeostasis in a way that may weaken cancer cell proliferation.