Induction of Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer Cells by Apteranthes europaea Root Extract

Pancreatic cancer is an extremely deadly disease with few effective treatment options and the lowest survival rate among all types of cancer. As a result, there is an urgent need for the development of new and more effective treatment strategies. Natural products have long been a vital source of drug discovery, offering unique bioactive compounds, and representing a promising source for new, effective, and less toxic treatments. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Apteranthes europaea (Guss.) Murb (A. europaea) root extract on the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. The proliferation assay (XTT) and real-time analysis using the IncuCyte Live-Cell Analysis System, following treatment of PL45 and Mia PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells with escalating concentrations (50-200 µL) to A. europaea root extract, demonstrated the progression of apoptosis. Apoptosis induction was confirmed through cell cycle analysis and Annexin V/PI double staining assays. Western blot analysis revealed the distinct activation of caspase-8, accompanied by the cleavage of caspase-3 and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Interestingly, no activation of caspase-9 was observed, suggesting the involvement of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Our findings suggest that A. europaea extract may be a potential novel strategy for treating pancreatic cancer.