In-silico and in-vitro evaluation of docetaxel and berberine as potential p53 modulating apoptotic inducers in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the interaction of p53 with docetaxel and berberine and their anticancer activities against oral squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: The interaction between p53 with docetaxel and berberine was investigated and their mechanisms of action against oral squamous cell carcinoma were studied. Toxicity studies were performed to determine any toxic impact of the drugs on the vital organs of tested animals. Results: In silico results revealed the molecular interaction of docetaxel and berberine with p53 and the molecules were found to be potential p53 inducers. Docetaxel and berberine inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that docetaxel and berberine at IC50 concentrations upregulated the expression of p53 in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells, thus triggering apoptotic cell death. In addition, no toxicity was observed in the liver and kidney tissues of mice after docetaxel and berberine treatment. Conclusions: Docetaxel and berberine significantly suppressed the proliferation of oral cancer cells by activating p53 expression and causing apoptotic cell death. Both compounds can be potential agents for the treatment of oral cancer, with little to no toxicity at the tissue level.