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Volume 13, Issue 4 (9-2026)                   jbrms 2026, 13(4): 39-48 | Back to browse issues page

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Salehi Marzijer A, Hormozi M. Investigating the Influence of 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylethanol (DHPE) on Apoptotic Genes in HCT-116 Cells: An In Vitro Study. jbrms 2026; 13 (4) :39-48
URL: http://jbrms.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-884-en.html
Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran , maryamhormozi@yahoo.com
Abstract:   (16 Views)
Introduction: 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylethanol  (DHPE) is a strong antioxidant that has activities such as controlling oxidative stress, inhibiting cell proliferation, and inducing apoptosis. Toxicological studies have shown that this substance has no mutagenic or genotoxicological effects that support its long-term use. This study investigated DHPE’s role in regulating key apoptotic genes (Bax, Bcl2, Caspase3, and p53) in HCT116 cells, with a particular focus on its p53-independent effects, offering new insights into alternative apoptosis pathways in colorectal cancer (CRC).
Materials & Methods: The human colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116) were treated with 50, 100, 150, and 200 µM of DHPE for 24 hours. Then, the expression level of Bax, Bcl2, Caspase3, and p53 genes was evaluated by real-time PCR.
Results:  Analysis of gene expression results showed that DHPE increased gene expression of Bax, Bcl2, caspase3, and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio (P<0.05), but there were no significant changes in p53 gene expression in treated groups compared to the control group in HCT116 cells.
Conclusion:  This study provides evidence that DHPE induces apoptosis in HCT116 cells without altering p53 mRNA levels, suggesting potential activity through p53-alternative pathways. These findings highlight DHPE's promise as a novel therapeutic candidate for CRC, particularly in tumors with p53 dysfunction
Full-Text [PDF 502 kb]   (3 Downloads)    
Type of Study: Research | Subject: Biochemistry
Received: 2024/08/20 | Accepted: 2025/10/5 | Published: 2026/09/28

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