Transcriptional Regulation of the Colorectal Cancer Stem Cell Markers, , Induced by a Thermodynamic-Based Therapy Approach.

BACKGROUND

Cancer stem cells (CSC), as responsible issues to cancer development and progression, play a crucial role in tumorigenesis, recurrence, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Both hyperthermia and photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be effective for cancer treatment, particularly when combined with other therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hyperthermia combined with PDT on colorectal CSC and the gene expression of the CSC markers, presenting a more effective approach for cancer therapy.

METHODS

The study was conducted in the Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran in 2018. We evaluated the anticancer role of hyperthermia, Gold nanoparticles coated with curcumin (Cur-GNPs) in PDT and combination of the two approaches on cell viability and the expression of CSC markers, and in colorectal cancer cell line HT-29. The cytotoxicity effect of Cur-GNPs against the cells was assessed . The cell viability was assessed using MTT assay, and the expression analysis of the CSC genes was evaluated using a q-real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Cell viability was decreased by PDT (=0.015) and the combination therapy (=0.006) but not by hyperthermia alone (=0.4), compared to control. Also, the expression of CSC markers, and was shown to significantly down-regulate in all hyperthermia, PDT and combination groups.

CONCLUSION

Hyperthermia combined with PDT was indicated to be more efficient in eliminating tumors than hyperthermia or PDT alone.