Potential Effects of Alcea glabrata Methanolic Extract on Gastric Adenocarcinoma (AGS) Cells: Insights into HER2 and Apoptosis-related Gene Expression
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Rebecca Yeroshalmi
,
Maryam Farghadan
,
Sepideh Ashouri Movassagh
,
Seyed Abolhassan Shahzadeh Fazeli
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a significant global health issue characterized by a high mortality rate. Recent studies highlight the potential of plant-derived compounds in targeting molecular pathways involved in cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the apoptotic and anticancer effects of Alcea glabrata methanolic extract on gastric cancer cells, focusing on the modulation of HER2, HSP90α, P53, and Caspase-3 gene expression.
The methanolic extract was prepared from the aerial parts of Alcea glabrata. Its antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) and human gum fibroblast (HUGU) cell lines were treated with different concentrations of the extract. Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay, and IC50 values were calculated. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry, and real-time PCR was used to quantify the expression levels of HER2, HSP90α, P53, and Caspase-3.
The extract exhibited potent antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by the DPPH assay. It reduced cell viability in both AGS and HUGU cell lines, with a lower IC50 in AGS cells, indicating selective toxicity toward cancer cells. Flow cytometry revealed a significant increase in apoptosis in AGS cells. Additionally, gene expression analysis showed upregulation of P53 and Caspase-3, and downregulation of HER2 in AGS cells. Changes were less marked in HUGU cells. The extract also demonstrated vigorous antioxidant activity.
Alcea glabrata extract exhibited selective anticancer effects on AGS cells by inducing apoptosis and modulating gene expression. Its antioxidant properties and downregulation of HER2 suggest its potential as a complementary treatment agent for gastric cancer.
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