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Objective: The present study aimed at evaluating the in vitro cytotoxic effect of simvastatin (sv) and alendronate (aln) on squamous cell carcinoma cell line (Hep-2 cells). Methods:Hep-2 cells were divided into four groups; Control group where cells were cultured in the routine culture medium. Alendronate Group (A) consisting of cells cultured in aln in its IC 50. Simvastatin Group(S) cultured in sv in its IC 50. And finally, a combined group (A+S) comprising cells cultured in combined IC 50 dose of sv and aln. To assess the effect of these drugs on Hep-2 cells, cell viability was measured in addition to measuring vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by Elisa. Results:In all groups, a decrease in the mean viability percentages of the treated Hep-2 cells in relation to control cells was observed in all groups. The combination of both agents exhibited a significant (P-values ˂0.05) synergistic effect on decreasing cell viability and angiogenesis of Hep-2 cells in vitro. VEGF measures in all groups were significantly lower than the control group (P-values ˂ 0.05). The combination of both drugs at their IC 50 doses can lower the VEGF production by Hep-2 cancer cells (P-values ˂ 0.05). Conclusion:A combination of sv and aln in their Ic50 doses has a dramatic effect on lowering the proliferation and VEGF expression in Hep-2 cancer cells cultured in vitro.

Background One of the major threats to human health is malignancy. Treatment regimens usually followed by either chemo or radiotherapy have a wide range of collateral unwanted side effects. Scientists seek alternatives with less or no adverse consequences. Nutraceuticals possess disease-modifying implications in medicine related to Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular, Parkinson’s diseases and malignancy. Apricot oil extract is one such nutraceutical. Its active component is amygdalin, known also as vitamin B.17 or laetrile. It is found in a wide range of vegetable species. Amygdalin is found in high concentration in the kernels of rosaceous fruits such as bitter nuts and apricot kernels. Amygdalin is an aromatic cyanogenic component with a glycoside group. It has a diverse effect on different systems and organs of the body. Recently, it has shown an anticancer potential as it can decompose carcinogenic elements found in the body and kill malignant cells, so it results in cancer growth inhibition. There is a great debate related to the cyanide toxicity of amygdalin. The presented study aims to evaluate apricot oil extract’s impact on squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, HNO97, while testing its safety on non-tumorigenic oral epithelial cells. Results HNO97 cell line viability was markedly decreased. This may be induced by the upregulation of autophagy, apoptosis enhancement as well as cell cycle arrest. Cancer cell migration was also decreased. Apricot oil caused no significant inhibition of normal OEC viability in low doses. Conclusions Apricot oil extract from apricot kernel had a notably antitumorigenic impact on oral cancer cells. It may be later subjected to pre- as well as clinical trials.

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Objectives: Previously, our research group has investigated the effect of alendronate (ALN) and simvastatin (SV) in their minimum inhibitory dose (IC 50 ) on oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line where inhibition of angiogenesis has been demonstrated. In the present study, we further investigate the effect of the previously calculated IC 50 of SV and ALN and their combination on two different types of stem cells to show that the same drug may have different effects on different cells.Methods: Stem cells were isolated from rat adipose tissue and oral mucosa. After passaging, cells were subjected to Aln, Sv separately as well as combined in their half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ). 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was performed to evaluate cytotoxicity. After seven days, osteogenic differentiation was evaluated using alizarin stain. Real time polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate Osteopontin gene expression. Results:Our results demonstrated that the proposed combination of Aln and Sv in their IC50 enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of both types of stem cells. Conclusion:The combined effect of Aln and Sv may represent a novel pharmacological approach in treating bone metastasis and at the same time treating the cancer itself.