G-2050

Comparison of the Cytotoxic Effects of Lactobacillus casei Extract with Newcastle Disease Virus in Human Colorectal Cancer

 Alireza Nikkhah ¹, Fatemeh Badalpour ² ℗, Hadi Esmaeili Gouvarchin Ghaleh ³ ©   

 
Abstract

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers globally, representing a significant public health challenge. Treatment methods include surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies, selected based on disease stage and patient status. Common cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, often induce considerable side effects, including fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and blood disorders, which can impact patients' quality of life. Consequently, researchers are focusing on developing novel drugs and targeted therapies aimed at reducing side effects while enhancing treatment efficacy. Innovative therapies, including bacterial and oncolytic viruses, can specifically target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. The present study aims to compare the cytotoxic effects of Lactobacillus casei extract with Newcastle disease virus on human colorectal cancer. Methods: Human colorectal cancer cells were cultured and treated with various concentrations of Lactobacillus casei extract and Newcastle disease virus to determine the IC50. Cell viability and apoptosis rates were then assessed using MTT assay and acridine orange/propidium iodide staining. Statistical significance was set at P0.05 for all evaluations. Results: The results demonstrated that both Lactobacillus casei extract and Newcastle disease virus significantly reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Caspase-8 and -9 activity measurements indicated that Newcastle disease virus activated both the mitochondrial and extrinsic apoptotic pathways, while Lactobacillus casei extract only activated the intrinsic pathway. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it appears that bacterial and oncolytic viruses could be considered as complementary therapeutic options alongside chemotherapy and radiotherapy, following clinical trials.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer cells, Lactobacillus casei, Newcastle disease virus, probiotics, oncolytic