Showing 1 results for Apoptosis.
Dr Mozaffar Mahmoodi, Dr Golara Nasiri,
Volume 29, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and aim: Angiogenesis is necessary for solid tumors to grow and metastasize because it provides oxygen and nutrients for the tumors. Many drugs have been identified for anti-angiogenic therapy, which is one of the most important drug mechanisms in cancer treatment. Considering similar anti-tumor activity by a similar mechanism in a herbal medicine, Astragalus hamosus (A. hamosus) we compared apoptotic and cytotoxic effects of this herbal medicine on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) between a 3D fibrin gel model and a 2D culture model.
Materials and Methods: A. hamosus extract was tested for its cytotoxicity on HUVECs using MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to examine apoptosis, cell cycle, and proliferation. Also, by qPCR, we assessed the expression of genes related to apoptosis, such as caspase-9, -8, -3, and Bcl-2.
Results: Angiogenic activities of HUVECs were significantly decreased after treatment with IC50 concentration of A. hamosus extract. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase in HUVECs in the 3D model higher than in 2D culture. Anti-proliferation activity of the extract decreased the expression of Ki-67, especially in the 3D culture. Also, after A. hamosus treatment, apoptosis level increased in the 3D culture model compared to that in the 2D culture which was confirmed by flow cytometry and qPCR.
Conclusion: Based on our results, A. hamosus extract can be used to treat tumors by inhibiting angiogenesis. Also, 3D fibrin gel can simulate anti-proliferative and anti-apoptotic properties of tumors better than 2D culture.
