Effect of thymoquinone on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro: Synergism with radiation

Abstract

Abstract. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main bioactive constituent present in black seed oil (Nigella sativa); it has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic effects in various cancer cell types. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of TQ on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines, on its own and in combination with radiation and cisplatin, respectively. The SCC25 and CAL27 HNSCC cell lines were treated with TQ alone and in combination with cisplatin or radiation, respectively. Proliferation assays and clonogenic assays were performed. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. TQ exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity via apoptosis in the investigated cell lines. In combination with cisplatin, TQ resulted in no significant increase in cytotoxicity. Combined with radiation, TQ significantly reduced clonogenic survival compared with each treatment method alone. TQ is a promising agent in the treatment of head and neck cancer due to its anti-proliferative and radiosensitizing properties. However, the combination of TQ with cisplatin showed no therapeutic benefit in vitro.

Thymoquinone, an Active Constituent of Black Seed Attenuates CCl4 Induced Liver Injury in Mice via Modulation of Antioxidant Enzymes, PTEN, P53 and VEGF Protein

“…TQ and a synthetic structurally-related TBHQ strongly inhibited iron-dependent microsomal lipid peroxidation in a concentration-dependent manner [19]. TQ importance has been discussed by earlier investigator [20], and TQ has proven role through modulation of diverse oncogenic transcription factors [21]. Moreover, another study was to investigate the effects of TQ on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines.…”

Chemopreventive and Anticancer Effects of Thymoquinone: Cellular and Molecular Targets

“…Such chemo-potentiating effects of TQ in different cancer cells have been observed with 5-fluorouracil in gastric cancer and colorectal cancer models [ 149 , 150 ]; Bortezomib in multiple myeloma cell line [ 102 ]; Cisplatin in colon carcinoma [ 131 ], ovarian carcinoma [ 151 ], esophageal carcinoma [ 152 ], and lung cancer [ 59 ]; Doxorubicin in leukemia [ 33 ], melanoma, cervix, and breast cancer cell lines [ 153 ]; Docetaxel in prostate cancer [ 86 , 87 ]; Gemcitabine in breast [ 117 ] and pancreatic cancer [ 84 ] models; Oxaliplatin in osteosarcoma [ 154 ], pancreatic [ 155 ], and ovarian cancer [ 156 ] models; Paclitaxel in triple negative breast cancers [ 157 ]; Tamoxifen in breast cancer [ 67 , 158 ]; Temozolomide in glioblastoma [ 159 ]; and Topotecan in colorectal cancer [ 160 ] and acute myelogenous leukemia cell lines [ 161 ]. In addition to these chemopotentiation and chemosensitization effect, TQ has also been observed to have a radiosensitization and radioprotection effects in many cancers, such as breast [ 75 ] and head and neck cancers [ 162 ]. Collectively, these studies point to the potential role of TQ as an adjuvant therapeutic agent for many cancers.…”

Nutritional Value and Preventive Role of Nigella sativa L. and Its Main Component Thymoquinone in Cancer: An Evidenced-Based Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies

“…Finally, TQ showed synergism with radiation in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in SCC25 and CAL27 HNSCC lines due to its antiproliferative and radio sensitizing properties [109].…”

“…Finally, TQ acted as a potent agent in the treatment of head and neck cancer by exerting antiproliferative and radio sensitizing properties through the decrease of colony formation and the induction of apoptosis in tongue carcinoma SCC25, CAL27 and HNSCC cells [109].…”