Turkish Hazelnut Extracts Exert Anti-Proliferative and Anti-Cancer Effects on Colorectal Cancer HCT-116 Cells.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Nutraceuticals
• Cancer Biology

Background:

• Rising cancer incidence necessitates novel anti-cancer agents.
• Phenolic compounds in hazelnut cell cultures offer potential therapeutic applications.
• Hazelnut extract, with high phytochemical content, is a promising candidate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anti-cancer effects of Palaz and Tombul hazelnut extracts on HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells.
• To determine the impact of hazelnut extracts on apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP).
• To analyze the expression of key genes involved in apoptosis and energy metabolism.

Main Methods:

• Determined IC50 values for Palaz and Tombul hazelnut extracts.
• Utilized flow cytometry with annexin V-FITC to detect apoptosis.
• Assessed mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss.
• Screened gene expression of MICU1, MICU2, PPAR-γ, PPARGC1A, UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3.

Main Results:

• Palaz and Tombul hazelnut extracts exhibited IC50 values of 400 μg/mL and 200 μg/mL, respectively.
• Apoptosis was induced at 17.47% (Palaz) and 23.53% (Tombul), confirmed at the protein level.
• Significant increases in MMP loss were observed (20.38% for Palaz, 16.17% for Tombul).
• Gene expression analysis supported the observed effects on apoptosis and MMP.

Conclusions:

• Hazelnut extracts, particularly Tombul and Palaz varieties, demonstrate significant anti-cancer properties against colorectal cancer cells.
• Phenolic compounds in hazelnut extracts effectively induce apoptosis and alter MMP, key mechanisms in cancer treatment.
• Hazelnut extracts hold potential as functional ingredients in foods and nutraceuticals for cancer prevention and therapy, possibly by reducing oxidative stress.