Induction of Apoptosis in HepG2 Cancer Cells by Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes via Reactive Oxygen Species Production

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 MSc, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer worldwide. Current treatment methods, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can cause damage to patients' organs and occasionally lead to death. Etoposide (ETO), a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, has similar issues. Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells represent a novel approach that may reduce side effects by targeted delivery of bioactive molecules to cancer cells.
Methods: HepG2 cancer cells were first cultured in a DMEM medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) until reaching appropriate confluence. Then, the HepG2 cells were treated with 25 and 50 µM concentrations of exosomes for 24 hours. Subsequently, the expression levels of BAX and BCL-2 genes, ROS levels, and the apoptosis rate were measured.
Findings: Treatment of HepG2 cells with exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells led to an increase in BAX gene expression and a decrease in BCL-2 gene expression. Additionally, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis rates were significantly higher compared to the control group, indicating a positive effect of exosomes in inducing programmed cell death.
Conclusion: Exosomes derived from MSCs were able to induce apoptosis in HepG2 cancer cells through the production of ROS. These findings suggest that exosomes can be utilized as a promising novel therapeutic approach in cancer treatment and offer strategies for developing safer and more effective cancer therapies.

Highlights

Sahar Saki:  Google Scholar 

Mahdi Hatami:  Google Scholar 

Azam Khedri: Google Scholar 

Samaneh Salehipour Bavarsad: Google Scholar

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 42, Issue 799
3rd Week March
March and April 2025
Pages 1206-1214

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 September 2024
  • Accept Date: 16 February 2025

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