Effect of thymoquinone on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro: Synergism with radiation

Kotowski,Ulana; Heiduschka,Gregor; Kadletz,Lorenz; Fahim,Tammer; Seemann,Rudolf; Schmid,Rainer; Schneider,Sven; Mitterbauer,Andreas; Thurnher,Dietmar

doi:10.3892/ol.2017.6189

Effect of thymoquinone on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro: Synergism with radiation

Authors:
- Ulana Kotowski
- Gregor Heiduschka
- Lorenz Kadletz
- Tammer Fahim
- Rudolf Seemann
- Rainer Schmid
- Sven Schneider
- Andreas Mitterbauer
- Dietmar Thurnher
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Affiliations: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, A‑1090 Vienna, Austria, Department of Cranio‑Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, A‑1090 Vienna, Austria, Department of Radiotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, A‑1090 Vienna, Austria, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, A‑1090 Vienna, Austria, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Graz, A‑8036 Graz, Austria
Published online on: May 17, 2017 https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2017.6189
Pages: 1147-1151

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Abstract

Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main bioactive constituent present in black seed oil (Nigella sativa); it has shown anti-inflammatory and anti‑neoplastic effects in various cancer cell types. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of TQ on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines, on its own and in combination with radiation and cisplatin, respectively. The SCC25 and CAL27 HNSCC cell lines were treated with TQ alone and in combination with cisplatin or radiation, respectively. Proliferation assays and clonogenic assays were performed. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. TQ exhibited dose‑dependent cytotoxicity via apoptosis in the investigated cell lines. In combination with cisplatin, TQ resulted in no significant increase in cytotoxicity. Combined with radiation, TQ significantly reduced clonogenic survival compared with each treatment method alone. TQ is a promising agent in the treatment of head and neck cancer due to its anti‑proliferative and radiosensitizing properties. However, the combination of TQ with cisplatin showed no therapeutic benefit in vitro.

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