Biomedical subjects

Michelle Tucci

Publications and source records attributed to Michelle Tucci.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

The effects of growth factors on the production of osteopontin and osteocalcin.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a group of structurally related proteins in the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family which have been shown to stimulate bone formation in vivo. Since these proteins are concentrated in the organic matrix of bone and would be released after a fracture or during bone resorption, they are likely to have a profound effect on bone remodeling and may provide a link between bone resorption and bone formation. The hypothesis of this study was that osteoblast-like cells (OBs) treated with demineralized bone matrix (DBM) would have similar levels of secretion of osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OCN) to that of OBs treated with insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), while OBs treated with bone morphogenetic protein-7, also called osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1), would secrete levels of OPN and OCN less than the DBM group. Specifically, the aims of this study were to evaluate osteoblast-like cells (MG-63 cell line) for secretion of both OPN and OCN after treatment with DBM, OP-1, or IGF-1 compared to control, at 24, 48, and 72 hours. After each incubation period, ELISA kits were used to determine the levels of osteopontin and osteocalcin production. The results clearly demonstrated a rise of OCN at 48 hours and a fall at 72 hours for all samples, including control groups. However, there was no significant difference between groups (p > 0.05). With the OPN assay, results showed no significant difference between groups until 72 hours (p = 0.022), where the IGF-1 group was significantly higher than the Control and DBM groups (p = 0.003 and p = 0.021, respectively). This information is important for understanding the signaling pathways that may be initiated in the osteoblast following stimulation with growth factors.

Bone Matrix↗

PubMed2006

Effects of thymoquinone, lycopene, and selenomethione in the presence of estrogen on the viability of SiHa cells in vitro.

This study investigated the antioxidants thymoquinone, selenomethione and lycopene on SiHa, a cervical cancer cell line preinfected with human papillomavirus. The hypothesis was that the combination of thymoquinone, selenomethione, and lycopene would have a detrimental effect on the viability, and biochemical analysis of SiHa cells. The specific aims were to establish the role of selenomethione, lycopene and thymoquinone on SiHa cells in the presence of, or in the absence of estrogen, and to determine if a combination of estrogen, lycopene, selenomethione, and/or thymoquinone are more effective in slowing the proliferation of SiHa cells then when used alone. Results indicated that selenomethione alone appeared to be chemoprotective, but when used in combination with estrogen, lycopene and TQ caused cellular damage as evidenced by decreased proliferation rate, increased glutathione levels, and increased MDA levels.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed2006

The effects of PMMA particle number on MG-63 osteoblast cell function.

Implants used for joint replacement are often cemented into place to increase stability. As the person ambulates, the implanted materials slide against each other producing small wear debris particles. There is increasing evidence that wear debris particles that are present in periprosthetic tissues have direct effects on osteoblasts. Particles resulting from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cements used for fixation may also be involved directly in aseptic loosening of implants. However, it is not known if these particles have a direct or indirect effect on bone formation. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of PMMA particle number on osteoblast cells. MG-63 osteoblast-like cells were challenged with 200 microg/mL, 20 microg/mL and 2 microg/mL PMMA diluted in culture medium. Cells were incubated with the particles for 24, 48, and 72 hours. MG-63 cellular proliferation was unaffected at 24 and 48 hours regardless of the concentration. However, at 72 hours, the low and high dose treatments resulted in a 50% reduction in cell numbers. Interestingly, at 72 hours cellular protein levels were increased in all treated groups by at least 50%. Cellular damage was evident as early as 24 hours in all experimental groups and continued for the duration of the study. Morphological observations showed significant vacuole formation in all experimental groups. Also, there was an overall increase in cell size that coincided with increasing levels of PMMA with noted micronucleoli at the highest dosage. The increase in micronucleoli may be reflective of increased cellular damage. Overall, a PMMA particle challenge resulted in significant membrane perturbations, and that phenomenon was found to be dose and time dependent.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

The effects of IGF-1 on cellular phospholipids.

Signals are transduced across the cell membrane through a series of events that are triggered by the activation of receptors or opening of ion channels. It is evident that the stimulation of cells can elicit a series of catabolic cascades, which cause degradation of several membrane phospholipids. Several breakdown products participate directly in the intracellular signaling cascade. The objective of this study was to establish the changes in phospholipid pools of MG-63 cells in 15 and 30 minutes after stimulation with IGF-1, which is a known growth factor. After collection of the cells, methods were performed to prepare the samples for thin-layer chromatography. Silica gel plates were analyzed for each experiment for quantitative and qualitative data. The cells were also tested for alkaline phosphatase activity. The highest percent of radioactivity was within the phosphatidylcholine fraction of control cells at 15 minutes and phosphatidylserine at 30 minutes. The highest percent of radioactivity was in the phosphatidylserine fraction at 15 minutes and increased after 30 minutes in IGF-1 treated cells.

Cell Line↗

PubMed2006

The effects of demineralized bone matrix proteins and osteogenic protein-1 on bone cells isolated in culture.

With the growing number of bone-related traumas and the limitations of traditional bone repair, alternative methods of bone management must be investigated. Demineralized bone matrix protein (DBX) has been used to reconstruct bone. DBX, a type of demineralized bone matrix, is a combination of several different proteins including osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1). Osteogenic protein-1 or Bone Morphogenic Protein-7 (BMP-7) was the first BMP approved for clinical use in the United States. Previous studies have shown that proliferation of osteoblasts (bone forming cells) was stimulated by OP-1. However, the effects of DBM and OP-1 at the cellular level have not been clearly defined. MG-63 osteosarcoma cells were utilized as a model and subsequently plated onto 24 well tissue culture plates at a density of 1x 10(5) ml/well. Cells were exposed to different concentrations of DBX demineralized bone matrix and OP-1 for periods of 24, 48, and 72 hours and compared with untreated controls. After each incubation period, cell morphology, cell damage, cell number, and protein concentrations were determined. Results indicate a significant increase in cell number at 72 hours in cells treated with 30% (5.66 x 10(5)) and 100% (6.3 x 10(5)) DBX treated groups when compared with the control (1.4 x 10(5)). OP-1 results do not indicate a significant increase in cell number at the 24 and 48 hour treatment phases when compared with the control (p > 0.05), however, results do show a statistically significant difference (approximately twofold, p < 0.05) between the control cells (1.9 x 10(4)) and those cells treated with low (3.9 x 10(4)) and high (4.1 x 10(4)) concentrations of OP-1 at the 72 hour time phase. The increases in cell number indicate that both DBX and OP-1 are effective in stimulating cell growth. When comparing the results of the DBX treatments with those of the OP-1 treatments, the cells treated with DBX showed a more substantial increase in bone cell proliferation after treatment than those cells treated with OP-1. This does suggest that DBX provides the most effective treatment for bone cell proliferation. Closer evaluation of the morphology especially the changes occurring at the nuclear level need to be addressed in future studies.

Bone Demineralization Technique↗

PubMed2006

Pathophysiological responses of MRC-5 cells exposed to various doses of x-ray radiation.

The numbers of x-ray procedures used as diagnostic tools are on the rise; these procedures are being used more frequently than ever before. The radiation effect from these procedures are said to be minimal, however there is a significant increase in cellular damage that may lead to cellular aberrations. The objective of this study was to expose human lung fibroblast (MRC-5) cells to various doses of x-ray radiation and evaluate its effects on the proliferation and morphology of the cells. Based on the review of the literature, we selected doses similar to other researchers, the doses were 2, 6 and 10 (Gy), evaluated after 24, 48 and 72 hours of incubation. The results indicated a 25% decrease in the cell number after 48 and 72 hours (p < 0.05), in all groups exposed to either dose of radiation. After 24 hours, there was not a statistically significant difference between the groups exposed to either dose of radiation. Morphologically, the cells exhibited significant changes when exposed to either, 2, 6 or 10 Gy of radiation. The cells showed multiple nucleoli with all doses, and mitotic figures were observed with a dose of 2 Gy. After a dose of 6 Gy, hydropic swelling due to excess fluid in the cytoplasm was noted as well as multiple nucleoli. After 48 and 72 hours, severe vacuolization with various degrees of hypertrophy and atrophy was noted with a dose of 10 Gy. Further analysis revealed that the higher the radiation dose, the more severe the damage after 48 and 72 hours, however, significant damage was evident with all doses, even as low as 2 Gy.

Cell Line↗

PubMed2006

Pathophysiological changes associated with the exposure of sustained delivery of glucocorticoids on pituitary adenoma cell line.

Glucocorticoid receptor rich tissues such as pituitary cells express tissue specific 11 beta hydroxysteroid type 1 enzyme, which causes cortisol to act as an autocrine, anti-proliferative, pro-differentiation stimulus in normal tissue. In pituitary tumor cells there is a strong correlation indicating a shift from 11 beta hydroxysteroid type 1 enzyme activity to 11 beta hydroxysteroid type 2 enzyme activity. This shift causes an anti-proliferative effect, which may be effective in suppressing tumor activity. Overall, the results indicated a decreased in cell number for both acute and chronic administration over a 96 hour period without inducing cellular damage (MDA), reactive nitric intermediates (nitric oxide) or reducing cellular antioxidant status (glutathione). Cortisol administration cause an increase in the number of hyperchromic nuclei suggesting cell cycle regulation. These findings conclude that cortisol administration to pituitary tumor cells may offer a future means of treatment for hypophysectomized patients.

Adenoma↗

PubMed2006

Pathophysiological response of rhesus monkey kidney epithelial cells exposed to cyclosporine A.

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is extracted from Tolypocladium inflatum Gams, which is metabolized through the superfamily of hepatic isoenzymes P-450. CsA has a mean life of 6.4-8.7 h, although this varies among different individuals. Ninety percent of the drug is excreted through biliary excretion and only 6% appears unchanged in the urine. The exact mechanism of action of CsA is unknown; however, CsA has the ability to act on the immune system by blocking the biosynthesis of some lymphokines produced by T lymphocytes and interleukin-2 synthesis at the transcriptional level. It has been suggested that CsA interacts with the cytoplasmic membrane and activates the intracellular calcium pathway, or binds to cytoplasmic proteins (Parra, 2003). The specific objective of this study was to investigate the effects of various concentrations of CsA on the proliferation and viability of Rhesus Monkey Kidney epithelial cells (RMKEC) in culture. Thirty-five wells were plated with RMKEC and sub-divided into five equal groups. Group 2 was treated with 10 mL of ETOH (vehicle for CsA). Groups 3-5, were treated with 10, 25, and 50 uM of CsA, respectively. Data obtained suggests that: (1) there was no significance difference observed using CsA 10 uM and CsA 25 uM in comparison to the control, (2) the use of 50 uM CsA suppressed cell proliferation in comparison to the control and caused an increase in all biochemical markers (MDA, Protein, and Nitric oxide), (3) the vehicle resulted in an increase in cell proliferation and a decrease in the biochemical markers MDA and Glutathione. The data suggests that further studies need to be conducted to determine the full impact of CsA on Kidney Epithelial function.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Metabolic effects of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate in normoxic and hypoxic states of MG63 osteosarcoma cells.

Glycolysis is a very important process which contains very intricate steps that play a role in cellular performance and viability. Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) is a glycolytic intermediate that has proven to improve cellular conditions under hypoxic and ischemic conditions. Osteoblasts are key regulators of skeletal matrix synthesis and degradation. Thus, considering FBP's positive effects on ameliorating hypoxia-induced injuries, the objective of this study was to determine its effects and comparative effects on osteoblast cells under normoxic and hypoxic states. MG63 osteoblast-like cells were cultured in 24-well culture plates and treated with high, medium and low dosages of FBP at 24, 48, and 72 hours. At the end of each time period, cellular number, damage by a malondialdehyde assay (MDA), and glutathione levels were evaluated. There was a significant increase in cell number for the low level of FBP in normoxia at 48 hours (p < 0.05). For the cells in hypoxia, there was a significant decrease in cell number for the medium level at 48 hours (p < 0.05). At 48 hours there was a significant decrease in cell damage through MDA measurement for the cells in normoxia and hypoxia when compared to the control. Cellular damage was not evident in the supernatant in either oxygen condition for the duration of the study. A significant decrease in glutathione levels was also noted for the cells in hypoxia. Cellular morphology included multiple nucleoli, vacuolated cytoplasm, abnormal cells, and web-like cytoplasm. The results indicate that FBP does protect bone cells exposed to hypoxic injuries, and while doing so, ameliorating the states of the cells in shock.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed2006

Effects of sustained release of statin by means of tricalcium phosphate lysine delivery system in defect and segmental femoral injuries on certain biochemical markers in vivo.

Statins, which are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors are widely used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia, and recent studies and animal data suggest that statins promote osteogenesis and increase bone strength. However, little is known about the effects of statins delivered by sustained delivery system to a target site of a defect and segmental bone fractures on certain biochemical markers including reproductive hormones. The purpose of this study was to develop a targeted statin delivery system using Tricalcium Phosphate Lysine (TCPL) for defect and segmental femoral injuries and evaluate the effects on alkaline phosphatase, total protein, malinodialdehyde, glutathione, total cholesterol, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, statins, and follicle-stimulating hormone. Because of the influence oral intake of statins might have on certain body organs, we also examine the histomorphology of the vital and reproductive organs of the animals receiving statins for a period of 30 days and 12 weeks post surgery. Simvastatin used in this study significantly increased fracture healing and without significant influence on the body weights and the weights and morphology of the vital and reproductive organs. There was a significant reduction in the cholesterol levels on the 3rd week in both phases of the study and at the conclusion of the study the difference in the cholesterol levels was no more significant in both phases. Other biochemical markers including plasma LH, FSH and testosterone levels were not affected by active treatment with simvastatin. In conclusion, short and long-term simvastatin treatment delivered at a fracture target site did not influence vital and reproductive organs, the systemic levels of the biochemical markers studied, but was able to effectively stimulate bone formation in simple and complicated segmental fractures.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Effects of polystyrene particle density on type II pneumocytes.

Studies into the effects of ultrafine particles on the lung have shown adverse outcomes and are do in part to the particle size. Inhalation of small particles is associated with exacerbation of respiratory diseases in epidemiological studies. Ultrafine particles have been hypothesized to play an important role, but it is unclear as to whether a dose response type of relationship exists. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of ultrafine particle number on lung cells and to describe the effects due to phagocytosis of particles by the cells. A549 cells are a transformed cell line similar to type II lung pneumocytes. A549 cells seeded at a density of 5 x 10(4) cells were treated with 1000, 5000, and 10,000 polystyrene particles and incubated at 37 degrees C for periods of 24, 48, and 72 hours. Cell number, protein, and MDA levels were determined on the treated cells and compared with untreated controls. The lung cells were also observed microscopically to assess cell damage. Lung cells exposed for 24 hours with 1,000 and 5,000 particles showed the greatest increase in cell number. Cellular protein levels were similar for all groups (p > 0.05) for the duration of the study. MDA levels for treated groups at 24 and 72 hours were not statistically different from the control groups. Cells treated at 48 hours with 5,000 and 10,000 particles showed slight increases in the MDA levels above low particle number and control treated groups. Morphological evaluation of the cells revealed increased inclusions with increasing dose. The results from this study indicate the ability of A549 cells to respond to a challenge with ultrafine particles. The concentrations tested caused an initial stimulation cell proliferation at 24 hours followed by increased damage at 48 hours. Future studies will focus on the inflammatory products formed by ingestion of the ultrafine particles.

Aerosols↗

PubMed2006

Macrophages and fibroblasts respond differently to PMMA particles and mechanical strain.

A primary factor limiting the long-term outcome of total joint arthroplasty is the aseptic loosening of prosthetic components. The bone-host interface of an unstable implant is associated with large quantities of wear debris as well as an altered mechanical environment. In vitro cellular studies on the effects of particulate biomaterials have been conducted under static conditions. The principal objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the application of cyclic tensile strain to cultured macrophages and fibroblasts alters the response of these cells to particulate polymethylmethacrylate. P388D1 macrophages and three human synovial fibroblast cells were exposed to particulate PMMA (0, 0.4, 4.0, and 40.0 mg/well) (n = 3) and tested under static or dynamic [cyclic tensile strain (0.5 Hz, 0.2 strain)] conditions. Cellular proliferation was determined by autoradiography following 3H-thymidine incorporation. IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 were identified using immunocytochemistry. Exposure of macrophages to particulate PMMA and/or cyclic tensile strain resulted in a decrease in DNA synthesis. Neither treatment altered the proliferative capacity of fibroblasts. Macrophages and fibroblasts stained positively for IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 under all of the experimental conditions tested. Our study provides evidence that macrophages, but not fibroblasts, exhibit decreased proliferative capacity when exposed to particulate PMMA and mechanical stimuli.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2006

Comparison between mevinolin and PTH action on MG63 osteoblast-like cells.

Increasing osteoblast activity in an anabolic fashion may offer an ideal therapeutic treatment for various orthopedic complications including osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of mevinolin, a clinical statin drug, on osteoblast function (MG 63 Cell Line) and compare its mode of action with the conventionally utilized parathyroid hormone (PTH). MG63 cells were treated with different concentrations (control, low (100 nM), medium (1 uM), and high (10 uM)) of mevinolin or Parathyroid hormone. The cells were incubated for 24, 48, and 72 hours at 37 degrees C in a 95% air and 5% CO2 environmental chamber. Data obtained in this study revealed that: (I) there were significant decreases in cell number after 24 hours upon the exposure of medium and high doses of mevinolin, (II) cell numbers rebounded back toward control after 48 hours and were similar in number at 72 hours, and (III) there were no significant changes in calcium or alkaline phosphatase activity were observed throughout the study. Morphologically, the cells treated with various doses of Mevinolin expressed similar structural changes to those observed using PTH. These changes included pleomorphic characteristics and an occasional hyperchromatic pattern during the entire duration of the study (72 Hours). Other structural features observed were spindle shapes, cluster arrangements and multinucleation. The majority of cells had multiple nucleoli in all treated groups compared to controls. The overall conclusion of this investigation demonstrated that the concentrations used (100 nM and 10 microM) did not appear to affect the mitotic activities of immature phenotypic MG-63 cells. In addition, the concentrations of mevinolin used did not trigger the differentiation process of the cells throughout the experimental phases. This observation led us to suggest that the reason for such an outcome could be attributed to the lack of a response in calcium production or alkaline phosphatase activity (stimulator to differentiation and mineralization process).

Cell Differentiation↗

PubMed2006

Mechanical strength repercussions of various fixative storage methods on bone.

This study compensates for the lack of literature on the actual effects that various fixative storage methods have on the mechanical strength characteristics of bone and attempts to identify the ideal fixative method for preservation of all tissues while maintaining in vivo bone strength. Researchers currently use a wide variety of storage methods that lessen the mechanical strength to varying degrees. Differences could introduce error into a great number of bone fracture studies if an inexact discrepancy in the mechanical properties of fixed bone does actually exist. Furthermore, such disparities could go on to pose clinical risks for patients. This study focuses on the mechanical strength testing of four different groups of rat femora that were retrieved at various times and subjected to differing storage procedures. The first, Group N, were fresh, new femora retrieved just days before testing. The second, Group F, were femora that have been fixed in a 10% formalin bath for just over a year prior to testing. The third, Group W, are femora that have also been fixed in 10% formalin for just over a year but were washed out just prior to testing. The fourth, Group P, were femora that were retrieved from rats that were perfused with formalin immediately following euthanasia. Mechanical strength tests on the four groups revealed that fixing bone in a 10% formalin bath significantly reduces the mechanical fracture strength properties of the bone regardless of whether the formalin is washed out prior to testing. Testing also revealed that bone from perfused animals behaves more similarly to fresh bones from non-perfused animals suggesting that the formalin did not entirely infiltrate the bone and permanently fix the material. These results could have profound implications on how studies equate the behavior of in vitro bone to in vivo bone which could manifest as clinical complications for patients.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

The effect of conventional and sustained delivery of thymoquinone and levodopa on SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of thymoquinone on the viability and metabolic activity of SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells alone or challenged with levodopa (L-dopa) using conventional and sustained drug delivery routes. The findings suggest that thymoquinone may protect SH-SY5Y cells against L-dopa toxicity to some degree although the exact mechanism for this is unknown. Thymoquinone may be a viable option to prevent quinone formation as a result of L-dopa auto-oxidation and could be investigated as a neuroprotective agent given the fact that inflammatory etiologies are strongly implemented in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.

Antiparkinson Agents↗

PubMed2006

The role of glucosamine, chondroitin and thymoquinone on the viability and proliferation of a HTB-93 rheumatoid arthritis cell model.

Glucosamine (GS), chondroitin (CD), and thymoquinone (TQ) are the complementary medicines under investigation in this study. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring glycoaminoglycan that contributes to the development of proteoglycans needed for the development of cartilage development and regeneration. Chondroitin is also a naturally occurring glycoaminoglycans (GAG) that seems to support the efforts of glucosamine as well as provide chondroprotection while serving as a 'water magnet' within the joint matrix. Thymoquinone is derived naturally from the black seed plant that is extremely popular within Middle Eastern countries. Its benefits are multiple, including both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These products were administered to HTB-93 synovial cells and cell viability, damage, and alterations in morphology were analyzed after 72 hours. Preliminary results revealed that chondroitin increased cell number in the high treatment group with increased nitric oxide production and decreased glutathione content compared to the control, glucosamine, and TMQ. Decreased glutathione levels were seen in the medium and high doses of both glucosamine and chondroitin. Increased levels of glutathione were seen with increasing TMQ, without changes in cell numbers or nitric oxide. The data indicates that medium and high doses of glucosamine and chondroitin may be cytotoxic to HTB-93 synovial cells.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

PubMed2006

Differential effects of cortisol on MRC-5 fibroblasts and hypertrophic LL-29 fibroblasts.

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex that helps facilitate the body's response to stress and regulates the immune system. Glucocorticoid receptors can be found on most cell types and as a consequence, cortisol hormone plays an essential role on the body's physiologic systems. Cortisol has been shown to elicit differing responses from normal fibroblasts in comparison to hypertrophic fibroblasts. The purpose of this experiment was to analyze the differential effects of cortisol on normal MRC-5 fetal lung fibroblasts and hypertrophic LL-29 lung fibroblasts from a patient with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The objectives of the experiment are to obtain and culture normal and hypertrophic lung fibroblasts, to challenge cells with subphysiological, physiological, and supraphysiological doses of cortisol (0.01 microg/dL, 0.2 microg/dL, 1 microg/dL) for 24, 48, and 72 hour incubation periods and to analyze cellular activity using the methods of cell count, protein assay, MDA, and morphological evaluation. Data collected from this study demonstrated variable response to cortisol by both cell lines. Striking results revealed that in LL-29 cells, supraphysiological dose of cortisol stimulated cell growth only in the 24-hour incubation period without showing any changes in number of micronucleoli or structural damage. In contrast, MRC-5 cells showed increased growth at a later stage (48 hours) with a dose specific increase with significantly increased micronucleoli numbers. In conclusion, the two cell lines differ in their response to cortisol concentration in a dose and time dependent manner. Cortisol concentrations did not induce structural damage throughout the experiment. These observations could help significantly in minimizing the traumatic side effects induced through stress conditions by employing intervention modalities to regulate systemic cortisol.

Cell Line↗

PubMed2006

Comparison of potential chemotherapeutic agents, 5-fluoruracil, green tea, and thymoquinone on colon cancer cells.

Antioxidants have been found to be quite successful in deterring certain disease processes for years, especially cancer. Antioxidants protect the body by neutralizing the free radicals and donating one of their own electrons, thus ending the scavenger reaction. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant catechin found in green tea, is a valuable scavenger of reactive oxygen species in vitro as well as in vivo. Thymoquinone (TQ), a major active component of black seed (Nigella sativa), is also known for its powerful scavenger abilities as an inhibitor of oxidative stress and has been utilized in the Middle East for centuries for healing properties. These two potent antioxidants when compared to the chemotherapeutic drug of choice, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), have demonstrated incredible chemotherapeutic responses to the SW-626 cell line. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of SW-626 colon cancer cells after a 24, 48, and 72 hour incubation periods with low, medium, and high doses of EGCG, TQ, and 5-FU. Cell viability, cell number, cellular morphology, and cellular metabolism were compared for the control and treatment groups. The results of this study evidenced a similar significant decrease in cell number as early as 24 hours in the groups treated with TQ and EGCG compared to 5-FU. Increases in cellular damage were evident after 24, 48, and 72 hours and in all treated groups compared with the control. Reduced cell numbers in the treated groups suggests the possibility that TQ and EGCG may have similar chemotherapeutic effects on cancer cells as 5-FU.

Antineoplastic Agents↗