Boldine Treatment Induces Cytotoxicity in Human Colorectal Carcinoma and Osteosarcoma Cells

Cureus. 2023 Nov 1;15(11):e48126. doi: 10.7759/cureus.48126. eCollection 2023 Nov.

Abstract

Introduction Cancer continues to be a significant health issue worldwide, with colorectal cancer (CRC) standing out as one of the most prevalent forms of cancer on a global scale. The lifetime risk of developing CRC is about one in 23 (4.3%) for men and one in 25 (4.0%) for women. Moreover, children and adolescents are frequently reported with osteosarcoma with a low five-year survival rate (69% and 67%, respectively). Aim The aim of the study was to analyze the cytotoxic effects of boldine against human CRC (HCT-116) and osteosarcoma cell lines (Saos-2). Materials and methods HCT-116 and Saos-2 cell lines were subjected to different concentrations of boldine treatment (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 μg/mL) and (10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 µg/mL), respectively, for 24 hours. The cytotoxicity was analyzed by MTT assay, AO/EB staining, DCFH-DA assay, and scratch assay. Results The MTT assay, microscopic analysis, and staining showed that boldine had dose-dependent cytotoxic effects against HCT-116 and Saos-2 cell lines by inhibiting their proliferation, viability, and migration, and inducing ROS-mediated apoptosis. Conclusion The study concluded that boldine had a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect on human CRC and osteosarcoma cell lines.

Keywords: apoptosis; boldine; colorectal cancer; cytotoxicity; osteosarcoma.