Chaetoceros Socialis Extract Triggers Apoptosis in Oral and Colorectal Cancer Cells Through Pi3k/Akt/Mtor Pathway Modulation Publisher



Asoudehfard A ; Soltanmohammadi F ; Javanmardi F ; Gholamalizadegan Z ; Karimipour M ; Fazlinia A ; Nemati MM ; Parsaei A
Source: Phytomedicine Plus Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Conventional chemotherapy remains a cornerstone in cancer treatment; however, its clinical efficacy is limited by severe side effects on normal tissues. This has encouraged interest in natural compounds with selective anticancer properties and reduced toxicity. Chaetoceros socialis (C. socialis), a marine diatom microalga, exhibits antioxidant and potential antitumor activities. Given the global burden of colorectal cancer and complications associated with oral cancer treatments such as stomatitis and jaw osteonecrosis, there is a need for safer alternatives. This study aimed to investigate the anticancer potential of ethanolic extract of C. socialis against colorectal (HT-29) and oral (KB) cancer cells, focusing on cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and molecular mechanisms. Methods: The ethanolic extract of C. socialis was prepared by maceration and solvent evaporation. Anticancer effects were assessed on HT-29 and KB cells using the MTT assay for viability, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and flow cytometry for apoptosis, and (Quantitative) qPCR for expression of apoptosis- and signaling-related genes. Results: C. socialis extract reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. After 24 h, viability was 44.06% in KB (20 µg/mL) and 44.48% in HT-29 (12.5 µg/mL), while normal HUVEC cells maintained high viability (89.44% at 20 µg/mL). Flow cytometry showed strong apoptosis induction (48.68% in KB, 21.28% in HT-29 at IC₅₀). qPCR revealed upregulation of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, Bax, PTEN, P21, P53, and FAS and downregulation of Bcl-2, AKT, and mTOR. Conclusion: C. socialis extract exerts selective anticancer effects through apoptosis induction and modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic candidate. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.