Purpose: Development of pharmaceutical dosage forms of natural products has gained great interest recently. Propolis is a natural product with various active compounds and multiple pharmacological activities. Its resinous nature and low bioavailability were obstacles in the optimum use of this magnificent natural product. Aim: This study evaluates the effect of using liposomes as a drug delivery system on the enhancement of the cytotoxic effect of propolis on squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (Hep-2) of head and neck. Methods: An optimized liposomal formulation of propolis was prepared using the conventional thin film hydration method 1, 2. The prepared (Hep-2) cell line was treated with different concentrations of propolis and optimized propolis liposomes for 24 h. The effect of both propolis and propolis liposomes on cell line was investigated using MTT assay, cytological examination, and nuclear morphometric analysis. The effect of the drugs on the cell apoptosis was evaluated using Annexin V. Results: The findings revealed that both propolis and propolis liposomes have a cytotoxic effect on Hep-2 cell line through induction of apoptosis. The effect was dose dependent. However, a statistically significant enhancement in propolis-mediated apoptosis on Hep-2 cells was elucidated due to encapsulation within the prepared liposomes. Conclusion: Liposome is a powerful tool for enhancing the cytotoxicity of propolis against Hep-2 cell line.

BACKGROUND: Tongue cancer is one of the most common head and neck cancers in the world. Nowadays, natural compounds are important resources of many anti-cancer drugs. Venom from honey bees possesses potent anti-cancer activities. Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic drug that has been used for decades to treat cancer cells. Recently, combination therapy has been a popular treatment choice for cancer patients. AIM: This study was conducted to evaluate the synergistic cytotoxic effect of honey bee venom (BV) and cisplatin on tongue squamous cell carcinoma 25 (SCC-25) cell lines. METHODS: The cytotoxic effect was determined using methyl thiazol tetrazolium assay, microscopic examination, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and statistical analysis. RESULTS: The findings revealed that the cytotoxic potential of the tested drugs on SCC-25 cells was dose-dependent. Microscopic examination showed that BV and cisplatin alone and in combination mainly produced apoptotic cell death. Regarding RT-PCR results, P53 and caspase-3 expression levels were significantly increased in SCC-25-treated cells (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The combined use of BV and cisplatin induced a marked synergistic cytotoxic effect on SCC-25 cell line.

Objective: Nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) are DNA coils that transcribe to ribosomal RNA. The NORassociated protein, termed argyrophilic NOR (AgNOR), was visible within the nucleus by staining with silver nitrate examination via the light microscope. AgNOR counting is a proliferation marker and may help in the diagnosis and prognosis of various neoplastic lesions. Aneuploidy (abnormal DNA content) can predict the progression, survival and prognosis of the tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of AgNORs, DNA ploidy status, and total S-phase fraction (TSPF) as prognostic parameters in malignant salivary gland tumors (MSGTs). Methods: The current study is a retrospective study on a cohort of MSGTs (N=47), to assess AgNORs using Silver Nitrate stain, DNA index (DI), and TSPF using flow cytometry (FCM). Data including tumor size and site, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), lymph node metastasis (LNM) were collected. Results: The AgNORs count was statistically significant with MSGT type. DI was found to have a significant association with tumor site, tumor size and MSGT type. In addition, TSPF was found to be significantly associated with LVI. A moderate positive correlation was noted between AgNORs count and TSPF. LNM, tumor site, high AgNORs and low DI were all associated with short disease-free survival (DFS) and poor overall survival (OS). Conclusion: The present study revealed that high AgNORs count, DNA aneuploidy and TSPF had a poor influence on MSGTs prognosis.

Background: Cancer is a serious issue that has a significant effect on the health of all human communities. Tongue cancer is one of the most common head and neck cancers in the world. In the medical world, cancer therapy is a major challenge. Nowadays, natural compounds are important resources of many anti-cancer medications. Venom from honey bees possesses potent anti-cancer effects. Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic drug that has been used for decades to treat cancer cells. Recently, Combination therapy has been a popular treatment choice for cancer patients.This study aimed to investigate the synergistic cytotoxic effect of honey bee venom (BV) and cisplatin on tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line (SCC-25).Methods: The cytotoxic effect was determined using Methyl Thiazol Tetrazolium (MTT) assay, microscopic examination, P53 and caspase-3 were quantified by Real-Time Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and statistical analysis.Results: The findings revealed that the tested drugs' cytotoxic potential against SCC-25 cells is dose dependent. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of MTT assay of BV/cisplatin mix decreased significantly compared to IC50 values of BV and cisplatin in sole formulation. Microscopic examination showed that BV and cisplatin alone and in combination mainly produced apoptotic cell death. Regarding RT-PCR results, P53 and caspase-3 expression were significantly increased in SCC-25-treated cells (P= 0.0001).Conclusions: The combined use of BV and cisplatin induced marked synergistic cytotoxic effect on SCC-25 cell line.

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