Inhibition of Autophagy by ATG5 siRNA Transfection Enhances Anti-cancer Effects of Gum Arabic, Promotes Oxidative Stress-Mediated Apoptosis and Affects DNA Damage and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Ovarian Cancer Cells

Evyapan G., Ozdem B.

Bratislava Medical Journal, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s44411-025-00381-5
  • Dergi Adı: Bratislava Medical Journal
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, EMBASE
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Apoptosis, ATG5 siRNA, DNA damage, Gum Arabic, Ovarian neoplasms, Reactive oxygen species
  • Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Gum Arabic (GA) is a clinically safe plant-derived polysaccharide with potential anti-cancer activity. We evaluated the effects of GA alone and in combination with ATG5 siRNA-mediated inhibition of autophagy in chemoresistant A2780-ADR ovarian cancer cells. GA at a concentration of 30.68 µM reduced cell viability to 47 ± 3% at 72 h and increased intracellular ROS 2.3-fold (n = 3, p < 0.001). The GA + ATG5 siRNA combination further decreased viability to ~ 30% and markedly enhanced apoptosis (Annexin V/PI, p < 0.001). Western blot analysis revealed increased p53 protein levels and decreased Bcl-2 protein levels, as well as altered P-Chk1 protein levels, which are consistent with apoptosis associated with DNA damage. GA also caused a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and treatment-dependent changes in UCP4/5 expression, indicating mitochondrial stress. These findings identify GA, particularly in combination with autophagy inhibition, as a low-toxicity agent with significant anti-proliferative effects in vitro. The study is limited to cell models; in-vivo validation and pharmacokinetic/delivery studies are required before clinical translation.