The Assessment of the Effect of Nano Propolis Against Melanoma Cell Line, and Its Radio Sensitization Effect

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Nano Propolis (NP) on cell viability, pro-apoptotic gene expression, anti-metastatic activity, and radiosensitization in the A-375 skin cancer cell line. The IC₅₀ values of 85 and 60 μg/mL were determined for propolis extract (PE) and NP, respectively, in cellular and molecular experiments using A-375 melanoma cells and Vero normal cells. To assess apoptosis, the expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 genes were measured using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A scratch assay was used to assess the ability of NP and PE to reduce tumor cell migration. A cell cycle assay evaluated the effect of both formulations on cell proliferation after 48 h of incubation. An alkaline comet assay was used to measure DNA strand breaks after treatment with NP or Propolis Extract, combined with ionizing radiation. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v.20 and GraphPad Prism v.9. NP at its IC₅₀ concentration showed a stronger ability to increase the apoptotic cell rate, inhibit cancer cell migration, suppress cancer cell growth through G1-phase arrest, and increase radioprotective effects in the normal cell line, while also increasing radiosensitivity in the cancer cell line compared with PE. NP demonstrated better and more effective activity against A-375 melanoma cells than PE.