
Anticancer Potential of Lactobacillus acidophilus Ethyl Acetate Extract on AGS Gastric Cancer Cells: Apoptosis Induction and Cell Viability Reduction
Fatemeh Bastan 1 ℗, Reyhane Farjadi Kia 1, Maryam Rashidian 1, Mahboobeh Mehrabani Natanzi 2 ©, Zohreh Khodaii 3
Abstract
Introduction: Recent studies have shown that certain probiotic strains can exhibit anticancer properties beyond their gastrointestinal benefits. Lactobacillus acidophilus, a well-known probiotic, may influence tumor behavior through immunomodulation, metabolite secretion, and direct cytotoxic effects. This study aims to explore the anticancer potential of L. acidophilus extract on AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Methods and Materials: Lactobacillus acidophilus was cultured and its ethyl acetate extract prepared using standard protocols. AGS cells were treated with extract concentrations of 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 µg/ml. Cell viability was measured using the MTT assay after 24 hours. The IC50 value was determined to be 280.3 µg/ml. Flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining was used to assess apoptosis at the IC50 concentration. Cell morphology was monitored microscopically for signs of stress or programmed cell death. Results: Treatment with L. acidophilus extract significantly inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 (280.3 µg/ml) resulted in a 12.62% apoptotic cell population, which was markedly higher than the control group (1.37%, p 0.0001). Morphological signs of apoptosis such as shrinkage and membrane disruption were observed in the treated group. These findings indicate that metabolites or components in the extract may directly induce programmed cell death in gastric cancer cells. Conclusion and Discussion: Lactobacillus acidophilus ethyl acetate extract demonstrates significant anticancer activity through induction of apoptosis in AGS cells. These results highlight the potential of probiotics not only as gut regulators but also as adjuncts in cancer therapy. Further studies should investigate the specific bioactive components responsible for these effects and their potential in vivo.
Keywords: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Probiotic, Gastric cancer, Apoptosis, Cytotoxicity