Inhibition of oral cancer cell line KB by hydroxytyrosol through induction of apoptosis

Introduction: Cancer is a disorder with a high mortality rate that leads to many psychological and economic conflicts. Herbal compounds that induce apoptosis are one of the methods for the treatment of cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anticancer effects of hydroxytyrosol on oral cancer cell line KB and the regulation of BAX and BCL2 genes expression. Materials and Methods: Anti-proliferation effects of hydroxytyrosol against oral cancer cell line KB were investigated by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Moreover, mRNA expression of BAX and BCL2 genes were investigated by quantitative Real-Time PCR method. Results: We observed a significant decrease in proliferation of the oral cancer cell line treated with hydroxytyrosol. In addition, expression of BAX and BCL2 genes was significantly increased (3.3 fold) and decreased (2.2 fold) in the oral cancer cell line treated with Hydroxytyrosol, respectively (P 0.05). Conclusion: The study indicated a high antiproliferation effect of hydroxytyrosol against oral cancer cell line KB through regulating the expression of some apoptotic genes.