The Effect of Nigella sativa Linn. Extract on E2F1 Expression and Apoptosis in Retinoblastoma Y79 Cells

Abstract

Introduction

This study aims to investigate whether the Nigella sativa Linn. extract (NSE) exhibits anti-retinoblastoma (RB) effects on human RB Y79 cells.

Methods

Human RB Y79 cells were exposed to various concentrations of NSE: 200, 150, 100, and 50 μg/mL for 72 hours. Apoptosis assays were conducted using the FITC Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit with propidium iodide. E2 promoter binding factor 1 (E2F1) expression was determined by incubating cells with an E2F1-specific antibody. The levels of apoptotic cells and E2F1 were quantitatively measured by flow cytometry.

Results

The results indicate that NSE, starting at 100 μg/mL, displayed antiproliferative properties on RB Y79 cells, characterised by a significant reduction in the number of viable cells. Induction of apoptosis was observed in RB Y79 cells exposed to NSE in a dose-dependent manner. Suppression of E2F1 expression was noted only at higher dosages. Additionally, a moderate correlation between E2F1 and cell viability/apoptosis was documented.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that Nigella sativa Linn. could serve as an apoptosis-inducing anticancer agent for RB treatment.