Abstract
Introduction Numerous studies suggest that the co-treatment of
chemotherapeutic agents with flavonoids such as Quercetin (Que) may enhance
tumor cells’ susceptibility to these agents. Hence, in the current
study, we investigated Que’s role in combination with Cisplatin to
promote cell apoptosis by focusing on the NF-κB signaling pathway in the
osteosarcoma cell lines.
Methods The Que, Cisplatin, and their combination’s general
cytotoxicity effects were evaluated using an MTT assay for 72 hrs. The protein
expression levels of NF-κB were detected by an enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Kit. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate cell
apoptosis.
Results Que considerably elevated the cytotoxicity of Cisplatin
(P<0.05). Que also dramatically down-regulated the expression
levels of NF-κB in MG-63 cells compared to mono-treatment
(P<0.05). Besides, Que promotes cisplatin-induced apoptosis in
MG-63 cells.
Conclusion Our study’s findings provide an exact point in the
field of adjuvant therapy in osteosarcoma. In other words, this study could
provide new insights into a better understanding of the role of Que in elevating
cisplatin-induced apoptosis with NF-κB down-regulation.
Key words
Osteosarcoma - Cisplatin - Quercetin - Apoptosis - NF-κB