Browsing by Author "Özdem, B."

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Gum Arabic Suppresses Proliferation and Induces Mitochondrial-Mediated Apoptosis in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells via the Bcl-2/Bax Signaling Pathway
(Ondokuz Mayis Universitesi, 2025) Evyapan, G.; Özdem, B.
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, and despite advances in treatment modalities, there remains a critical need for more effective therapeutic strategies. This study investigated the impact of Gum Arabic (GA) on the proliferation and apoptosis of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The impact of Gum Arabic on cellular viability was assessed using an MTS assay, while its effect on long-term proliferative potential was evaluated via a colony formation assay. To determine the mode of cell death, caspase-3/7 activity assays and Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining were employed. Since MCF-7 cells lack functional caspase-3, the observed caspase-3/7 activity is likely attributable to caspase-7. Additionally, Western blotting was conducted to analyze changes in the expression of key apoptotic proteins. The results revealed that treatment with Gum Arabic led to a dose-dependent reduction in both cell viability and colony formation ability. Moreover, apoptosis was significantly induced in the treated cells. At the molecular level, Gum Arabic administration resulted in a pronounced downregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma 2, along with upregulation of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2-associated X and caspase-9. These findings demonstrate that Gum Arabic not only suppresses proliferation but also promotes programmed cell death in breast cancer cells through modulation of intrinsic apoptotic pathways. While the results provide preliminary evidence of anticancer potential, further studies in additional breast cancer models, as well as in vivo and clinical investigations, are required before any translational or therapeutic conclusions can be drawn. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
Inhibition of Autophagy by ATG5 siRNA Transfection Enhances Anti-Cancer Effects of Gum Arabic, Promotes Oxidative Stress-Mediated Apoptosis and Affects DNA Damage and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Ovarian Cancer Cells
(Springer International Publishing, 2025) Evyapan, G.; Özdem, B.
Gum Arabic (GA) is a clinically safe plant-derived polysaccharide with potential anti-cancer activity. We evaluated the effects of GA alone and in combination with ATG5 siRNA-mediated inhibition of autophagy in chemoresistant A2780-ADR ovarian cancer cells. GA at a concentration of 30.68 µM reduced cell viability to 47 ± 3% at 72 h and increased intracellular ROS 2.3-fold (n = 3, p < 0.001). The GA + ATG5 siRNA combination further decreased viability to ~ 30% and markedly enhanced apoptosis (Annexin V/PI, p < 0.001). Western blot analysis revealed increased p53 protein levels and decreased Bcl-2 protein levels, as well as altered P-Chk1 protein levels, which are consistent with apoptosis associated with DNA damage. GA also caused a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and treatment-dependent changes in UCP4/5 expression, indicating mitochondrial stress. These findings identify GA, particularly in combination with autophagy inhibition, as a low-toxicity agent with significant anti-proliferative effects in vitro. The study is limited to cell models; in-vivo validation and pharmacokinetic/delivery studies are required before clinical translation. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.