M.E.L. Consolaro

Chrysin induces cell death and inhibits migration and invasion in squamous cervical carcinoma using a three-dimensional cell culture model

Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide, despite treatment advances. The most common form is squamous cell cervical carcinoma, primarily associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16. Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) is a natural flavonoid with promising anticancer properties both in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative, anti-migratory, and anti-invasive effects of chrysin on the SiHa human cervical cancer cell line (HPV-16-positive) using a 3D cell culture model with spheroids. Cell viability was assessed using the resazurin assay, while cytostatic effects were monitored by measuring spheroid size through imaging. Migration was evaluated with the spheroid migration assay. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was quantified by immunoenzymatic assays. Chrysin treatment exhibited concentration-dependent cytotoxic and cytostatic effects, reducing cell proliferation and decreasing SiHa spheroid size. Additionally, chrysin inhibited cell migration and invasion, potentially reducing metastatic potential, primarily by decreasing the production of MMP-2 and VEGF. These findings suggest that chrysin has therapeutic potential for squamous cell cervical carcinoma and warrants further in vivo preclinical studies.

Chrysin Exhibits Selective Antiproliferative and Antimigratory Activities in a Wide Range of Human-derived Cervical Cancer Cell Lines

Background: In the past few years, the antiproliferative activities of chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) have garnered significant attention in anticancer drug discovery due to its promising ability to suppress cancer cell proliferation. However, studies on its effects on cervical cancer are limited and have primarily focused on HeLa cells. Objective: In order to better understand its therapeutic potential for cervical cancer, we assessed the antiproliferative and anti-migratory effects of chrysin in a wide range of human-derived cell lines comprising C33A (human papillomavirus/HPV-negative), HeLa (HPV 18-positive), SiHa (HPV 16-positive), and CaSKi (HPV 16 and 18- positive), in comparison to a human epithelial cell line derived from spontaneously immortalized cell, HaCaT. Methods: Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay, while the clonogenic assay evaluated long-term cytotoxicity. Morphological alterations were observed via light microscopy, and cell death was assessed using Annexin V FITC/propidium iodide (PI) staining. Total reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured by fluorescence microscopy, the mitochondrial transmembrane potential was assessed using TMRE, and lipid peroxidation was analyzed using DPPP. Additionally, wound healing migration and cell invasion assays were conducted. Results: Chrysin selectively inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in every cervical cancer cell line assessed while exerting minimal effects on HaCaT cells. Additionally, it triggered mitochondrial redox imbalance and significantly suppressed both migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells. Conclusion: Based on these results, chrysin appears to be a promising candidate as an anticancer agent for both HPV-associated and HPV-independent cervical cancers, emphasizing the necessity for further exploration in subsequent studies.