1- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran & Protein Technology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, VaP.C, Islamic Azad University, Varamin, Iran 3- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, VaP.C, Islamic Azad University, Varamin, Iran , baghbani.f@gmail.com
Abstract: (21 Views)
Background and Aim: Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death globally. Despite advances in therapeutic strategies, drug development faces challenges, including potential toxicity,poor selectivity, and evolving resistance. Postbiotics are now attracting attention as anticancer agents.Lactobacillus saki, a traditionally recognized probiotic in food fermentation, can produce intracellular compounds with numerous beneficial effects on human health. In the present study, the effects of the cytoplasmic extract of this bacterium on cell toxicity in the human colon cancer cell line SW480 are examined. Materials and Methods: SW480 and HEK293 cells were exposed to increasing concentrations (37.5–600 µg/mL) of Lactobacillus cytoplasmic extract for 48 hours. Cell proliferation was analyzed by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Apoptosis induction was evaluated by double staining flow cytometry. Relative expression levels of BAX, BCL2, and P53 were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the extract caused a 15-fold increase in the population of apoptotic cells, mainly through early and late stages of apoptosis. Gene expression data also showed that treatment with the extract resulted in a 2.6-fold increase in BAX expression and a 1.35-fold increase in P53 expression, while BCL2 expression didn’t change significantly. The 2.2-fold increase in the BAX/BCL2 ratio indicates activation of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Conclusion: Overall, the findings of this study suggest that the cytoplasmic extract of Lactobacillus saki has significant anticancer activity against SW480 cells and probably triggers mitochondrial pathway-dependent apoptosis. Considering its favorable safety profile, this extract could be regarded as a supplementary treatment option or a potential therapeutic candidate for colorectal cancer.