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Selective toxicity of n-hexane extract of black soldier fly larvae on mitochondria isolated from liver hepatocytes of rats with liver cancer
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Yalda Arast1    , Tahereh Zarei Taher |
| 1- , arast.92@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (127 Views) |
Background and Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant liver tumor, ranking as the fifth most prevalent cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Drug resistance and adverse side effects underscore the need for novel therapeutic strategies derived from natural sources with selective toxicity. Mitochondria, owing to their pivotal roles in apoptosis and cellular metabolism, represent a promising target in cancer therapy. The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larval extract, rich in bioactive compounds such as fatty acids, exhibits potential anticancer properties. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of black soldier fly larval extract on mitochondria isolated from hepatocytes of an animal model of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, an HCC animal model was established by subcutaneous injection of hepatic cancer cells into BALB/c mice. Liver mitochondria were isolated from both tumor-bearing and control animals. The IC50 value of the larval extract was determined using the MTT assay. Mitochondria were then treated with hexane larval extract at concentrations of 1600, 3200, and 6400 µg/mL. Key mitochondrial parameters including reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial swelling, cytochrome c release, and apoptosis were assessed.
Results: The results demonstrated that various concentrations of the black soldier fly larval extract significantly induced ROS generation, mitochondrial swelling, depolarization of MMP, cytochrome c release, and apoptosis in mitochondria isolated from HCC hepatocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In contrast, no significant alterations in these parameters were observed in mitochondria from control (non-tumor) hepatocytes.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that bioactive compounds present in the black soldier fly larval extract exert selective cytotoxic effects on HCC cells by disrupting mitochondrial function and triggering apoptosis, highlighting its potential as a natural anticancer agent. Nevertheless, further investigations including molecular characterization, in vivo validation studies, and clinical trials are required to confirm its therapeutic efficacy and safety. |
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| Keywords: Black soldier fly larva, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, apoptosis, mitochondria, hepatocellular carcinoma |
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Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
General
Received: 2025/11/11 | Accepted: 2026/02/14
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