Exposure of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells to Ankaferd Blood Stopper® Alters Cell Death Signaling Networks Confirmed by Oncoproteomic and Genomic Profiling Studies

Abstract

Background: Ankaferd Blood Stopper® is a commercially available herbal extract with potent blood-stopping property and is clinically used to treat immediate dental, dermal, external and internal bleeding. Its possible anti-neoplastic effect or whether it ingenerates drug resistance in cells has not been previously scrutinized. Objective: In the present study HEPG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line was exposed to clinically used dose (8 μL/mL) of the blood stopper for 24 h and the behavioral changes were investigated on both proteomic and genomic levels. Method: Cell culture experiments were performed by using Ankaferd® application in HepG2 cell line. Cytotoxic activity experiments with MTT, oncoproteomic studies with 2d gel electrophoresis, genomic studies were performed with RT-PCR. Results: It was seen that the agent did not significantly inhibit cell viability subsequent to 24 h of the treatment meanwhile, it clearly deducted cell viability after 72 h. Although reduction of HEPG2 cell proliferation was not witnessed as a response to 24 h of treatment with Ankaferd®, genomic and oncoproteomic analysis demonstrated diversification. Conclusion: It was established that protein processing networks in endoplasmic reticulum which regulate protein folding, relocation and degradation were effected. Additionally, it was proved that along with the elongation of the exposure period, mitochondrial apoptotic pathway may be activated due to hnRNP F-p53 interaction. Given to the fact that the agent did not inclined P-glycoprotein-dependent drug resistance unlike many clinically used chemotherapeutic agents, it also can be considered for combination treatment. Overall, these findings suggest that Ankaferd® offers a novel promising approach against hepatocellular carcinoma which needs further investigation.

CDK4/6 inhibitors improve the anti-tumor efficacy of lenvatinib in hepatocarcinoma cells

“…Despite the recent advances in the management of advanced HCC, this malignant disease remains difficult to treat and the development of more effective therapies is warranted. In this regard, different strategies are currently under evaluation, including approaches exploring the anti-cancer properties of compounds normally used for other medical purposes (38), or combinatorial approaches aimed at improving the efficacy of the therapies used in the clinical practice (5).…”

Pharmacobiology of topical Ankaferd hemostat in neoplastic disorders

“…ABS induces necroptosis in breast cell cultures [26]. HEPG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells were inhibited when the cells were exposed to ABS [27]. ABS may have a role in the treatment of solid and hematological cancer cells.…”

Antineoplastic Effects of Ankaferd Hemostat

“…ABS has antineoplastic activity in hepatocellular carcinoma. In a previous analysis, HEPG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells were given 8 μ L/mL of ABS for 24 hours, and the alterations were analyzed on both proteomic and genomic manners [ 48 ]. ABS did not decrease cell viability subsequent to 24 hours of the therapy but, and ABS inhibited cell viability after 72 hours.…”

“…Moreover, mitochondrial apoptotic pathway can be stimulated by the hnRNP F-p53 interaction with the elongation of the ABS exposure period. ABS did not lead to P-glycoprotein-dependent drug resistance differently from several other used chemotherapeutics; therefore, ABS may also be used as combination treatment [ 48 ].…”