Effects of Arsenic Trioxide and Forskolin on Apoptosis-Related Gene Expression in Panc-1 Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Abstract
Background:
Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal malignancy with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Panc-1, a human pancreatic cancer cell line, serves as a valuable model for investigating therapeutic interventions. Arsenic Trioxide (ATO), an approved drug for acute promyelocytic leukemia, has been reported to exert pro-apoptotic effects in solid tumors. Forskolin, a natural compound that increases intracellular cAMP, regulates key pathways involved in apoptosis and cell survival. To date, little is known about their combined effects on apoptosis-related gene expression in pancreatic cancer.
Aim:
This study aimed to investigate the effects of Arsenic Trioxide and Forskolin, individually and in combination, on the expression of key apoptosis-associated genes in Panc-1 cells.
Methodology:
Panc-1 cells were cultured under standard conditions and treated with different concentrations of Arsenic Trioxide, Forskolin, or their combination. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay. Total RNA was extracted from treated and control cells, followed by cDNA synthesis. Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to analyze the relative expression levels of apoptosis-related genes, including Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and p53. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine significant differences among treatment groups.
Findings:
Both Arsenic Trioxide and Forskolin significantly reduced Panc-1 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, Caspase-3, and p53) and downregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene (Bcl-2). Notably, the combination treatment induced more pronounced changes in gene expression compared to individual treatments, indicating a potential synergistic effect on apoptosis induction in Panc-1 cells.
Conclusion:
Arsenic Trioxide and Forskolin enhance apo
