The Effect of Artemisia sieberi (Dermeneh Dashti) Plant Extract on the Expression of Genes Involved in the Apoptosis Signaling Pathway in the HT_29 Cell Line

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in humans. The influence of natural plant compounds is widely acknowledged today. Artemisia sieberi has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Objectives: The aim of the forthcoming study is to investigate the impact of Artemisia sieberi plant extract on the expression of key genes within the apoptosis signaling pathway of the HT-29 cell line. Methods: In this study, RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis were conducted subsequent to the culturing and treatment of HT-29 cancer cells with plains herb extract. A real-time PCR test utilizing specific primers for Bax and Bcl-2 was then performed using the Rotor-Gene Q machine. Additionally, an MTT assay was conducted to assess the toxicity of the Artemisia sieberi extract. Results: The test revealed that as the concentration of the studied extract increased, cell viability decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The calculated IC50 value for the plains herb extract was found to be 0.44 µg/mL. Furthermore, the levels of Bax and Bcl-2 genes in cells treated with the plains herb extract were determined to be 1.48 and 0.45, respectively, indicating an increase in the expression of these two genes. Conclusions: Given the low toxicity of the Artemisia sieberi extract observed in the MTT test and its potential to increase the expression of apoptosis-inducing genes in intestinal cells, it appears that Artemisia sieberi extract could be employed as a therapeutic supplement for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.