Norma Lucena-Silva

Comparison of IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms and haplotypes between high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or cervical cancer and negative cervical cytology

Cervical cancer, a leading cancer among women, is strongly associated with Human Papillomavirus infection, but host genetic factors also contribute to the progression from high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) to invasive cancer. Interleukin-10 (IL-10), an immunosuppressive cytokine, may influence susceptibility to HSIL and cervical cancer through genetic variations. This study aimed to compare IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms, -1082 A > G and - 819T > C, in women diagnosed with HSIL or cervical cancer and those with negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM). In this case-control study, 309 women were analyzed, including 142 with HSIL or cervical cancer and 167 controls with NILM. Blood samples were collected for DNA extraction and genotyping of polymorphisms through PCR amplification. Statistical analyses included comparisons of genotype and allele frequencies, haplotype frequency, and assessments of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and linkage disequilibrium. The mean age was 33.4 years for cases and 41.7 years for controls (p  G polymorphism, the GG genotype was significantly associated with a decreased risk of HSIL and cervical cancer (p = 0.0266, OR = 0.35). Recessive model (GG vs. AA + AG) confirmed this association (p = 0.0045, OR = 0.29). AC/GC diplotype was associated with a 2-fold increased risk of cervical lesions. Further studies are needed to confirm our results.

Apoptosis and G2/M Phase Cell Cycle Arrest Induced by Alkaloid Erythraline Isolated from Erythrina velutina in SiHa Cervical Cancer Cell

Cervical cancer remains a significant global health concern, causing more than 300,000 deaths annually. Erythrina velutina, a tree native to north-eastern Brazil, contains bioactive alkaloids with potential anticancer properties. This study aimed to characterize the alkaloid-enriched fraction of Erythrina velutina leaves and investigate the effects of the alkaloid erythraline on apoptosis and cell cycle in SiHa cervical cancer cells. Using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), six alkaloids, including erythraline, were identified. Cytotoxicity was assessed through proliferation assays on SiHa cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Apoptosis and cell cycle analyses were performed using flow cytometry, and in silico virtual screening identified potential protein targets of erythraline. Erythraline showed time- and concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on SiHa cell proliferation, with significant cytotoxicity observed at 50 µg/mL. Morphological changes, chromatin condensation, and increased apoptotic cell percentages confirmed the induction of caspase-independent apoptosis. Erythraline also induced G2/M cell cycle arrest, with 22% of cells in the G2/M phase compared with 7.25% in the untreated controls. In silico analysis identified polyamine oxidase, pyruvate kinase M2, and tankyrase as potential targets that contribute to the antitumor activity of erythraline. These findings suggest that erythraline is a promising candidate for anticancer therapy, warranting further investigation.