PI3K/Akt1 Pathway Suppression by Quercetin-Doxorubicin Combination in Osteosarcoma Cell Line (MG-63 Cells)

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the anticancer effects and potential synergistic interactions of quercetin (Q) and doxorubicin (Dox) on the MG-63 osteosarcoma (OS) cell line. Specifically, the effects of these agents on cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, antioxidant defense, and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt1) signaling pathway were evaluated. Material and Methods: MG-63 cells were cultured and treated with varying concentrations of Q and Dox, both individually and in combination (fixed 5:1 molar ratio), for 48 h. Cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay, and IC₅₀ values were calculated. Synergistic effects were analyzed using the Chou-Talalay combination index (CI). Apoptosis was evaluated via Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and caspase-3/7 activity. ROS levels were quantified using DCFH-DA probe, and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx) were measured spectrophotometrically. Gene expression (Runx2, PI3K, Akt1, caspase-3) was analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results: Q and Dox reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with IC₅₀ values of 70.3 µM and 1.14 µM, respectively. The combination treatment exhibited synergistic cytotoxicity (CI < 1), especially in the Q50 + Dox5 group (CI = 0.23). Apoptosis was significantly enhanced in the combination group, evidenced by increased Annexin V positivity and caspase-3 activation. ROS levels were markedly elevated, while antioxidant enzyme activities declined. RT-qPCR revealed upregulation of caspase-3 and downregulation of Runx2, PI3K, and Akt1 mRNA levels. Conclusions: The combination of Q and Dox exerts synergistic anticancer effects in MG-63 OS cells by inducing apoptosis, elevating oxidative stress, suppressing antioxidant defense, and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt1 signaling pathway and Runx2 expression. These findings support the potential utility of Q as an adjuvant to enhance Dox efficacy in OS treatment.