Evaluation of anticancer effects of propolis extract with or without combination with layered double hydroxide nanoparticles on Bcl-2 and Bax genes expression in HT-29 cell lines

Abstract Introduction Propolis is a natural product with powerful antioxidant and therapeutic effects; it has diverse compounds depending on the region in which it is produced. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of propolis on expression of pro-apoptotic genes in HT-29 cell line of colorectal cancer (CRC) in combination with and without layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles (NPs). Methods The required amount of propolis was dissolved and the inhibitory effect of the extract was evaluated using MTT assay. HT-29 cancer cells were incubated at different concentrations of the extract and in combination with and without LDH NPs for 48 hours. In order to evaluate apoptosis, the level of expressing Bax and Bcl-2 genes after RNA extraction and conversion to cDNA were studied by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).All data were analyzed with REST software. Results The obtained results showed that there is a direct and significant relationship between the two variables of concentration and duration of the effect of propolis extract in combination with and without LDH NPs, and percentage of HT-29 cells death. This extract increases Bax pro-apoptotic gene expression, decreases Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic gene expression, and induces apoptosis; meanwhile, its combination with LDH NPs significantly enhances its efficacy (all cases P Conclusion The propolis extract collected from Varjavi region in Maragheh County, Iran showed some probable anticancer effects, and its efficacy increased in combination with LDH NPs. Accordingly, it can be used as a new drug supplement to kill CRC cells.