Targeted apoptosis induction in oral squamous cell carcinoma by goniothalamus umbrosus: a pathway through Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase 3

Che Aziz, Nuraini and Mustafa Al-Ahmad, Basma Ezzat and Kashmola, Muhanad Ali and Lestari, Widya and Nik Mohd Rosdy, Nik Mohd Mazuan and Mokhtar@Makhtar, Khairani Idah (2025) Targeted apoptosis induction in oral squamous cell carcinoma by goniothalamus umbrosus: a pathway through Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase 3. European Journal of Dentistry, 20 (2). pp. 552-559. ISSN 1305-7456 E-ISSN 1305-7464

	PDF - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (10MB) | Request a copy
	PDF (Scopus) - Supplemental Material Restricted to Registered users only Download (178kB) | Request a copy
Preview	PDF (WOS) - Supplemental Material Download (291kB) | Preview

Abstract

Objective Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies of head and neck cancer associated with severe morbidity and high mortality rates. While conventional treatment modalities are effective in eliminating cancer cells, they frequently result in adverse side effects. Research continues to explore plant-based therapeutics with selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Goniothalamus umbrosus is traditionally used among medicinal folks and has shown potential in its anticancer properties. This study aims to explore the role of G. umbrosus hexane extract (GUHE) in inducing apoptosis by elucidating its mechanism of action in OSCC (HSC-3) while comparing its effect on human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells. Materials andMethods The expression of proapoptotic gene (Bax) and antiapoptotic gene (Bcl-2) in HSC-3 and HGF cell lines that had been pretreated with GUHE was evaluated by RT-qPCR. The activity of caspase-3 protein was quantified by ELISA assay. Results RT-qPCR analysis revealed that GUHE significantly upregulated the Bax expression by 1.69-fold and downregulated Bcl-2 expression by 42% in the HSC-3 cell line. The activity of caspase-3 protein was significantly increased in HSC-3 treated with GUHE. The expression of Bax and Bcl-2 genes and caspase-3 protein activity was not significantly modulated in GUHE-treated HGF. Conclusion GUHE selectively induced apoptosis by activating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in the HSC-3 cell line without being detrimental to the HGF cell line. This highlights its promising effect as a targeted therapeutic agent for OSCC therapy.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	► Goniothalamus umbrosus ► oral squamous cell carcinoma ► Bax ► Bcl-2 ► caspase-3
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RK Dentistry > RK318 Oral and Dental Medicine. Pathology. Diseases-Therapeutics-General Works
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Dentistry Kulliyyah of Dentistry > Department of Fundamental Dental and Medical Sciences
Depositing User:	Dr Basma Al-Ahmad
Date Deposited:	14 May 2026 12:17
Last Modified:	14 May 2026 12:28
Queue Number:	2026-05-Q3332
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/128958

Actions (login required)

View Item