Betanin and Resveratrol as Dual Modulators of Apoptotic Signaling in Oral (KB) and Osteosarcoma (143B) Cells

Background

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is characterised by its ability to evade apoptosis, contributing to therapeutic resistance and poor clinical outcomes. Natural compounds such as betanin and resveratrol have demonstrated pro-apoptotic effects in various cancer models. This study investigates the apoptotic potential of betanin and resveratrol, individually and in combination, in KB oral cancer cells through modulation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathways.

Materials and Methods

KB cells and 143B cells were treated with betanin (10 μM and 25 μM), resveratrol (10 μM 25 µM), and their combination (10 µM each) were administered to KB cells and 143B cells. The MTT test was utilized to measure cell viability, and phase-contrast microscopy was used to look at morphological alterations. Gene expression of genes was related to apoptotic regulators such as p53, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-9 enzyme activities were evaluated using RT-PCR techniques.

Results

Both betanin and resveratrol markedly reduced cell effectiveness varies with the dose, with the combination treatment inducing the greatest cytotoxic effect. Morphological assessment revealed classic apoptotic features, including cell shrinkage, rounding, and detachment. Gene expression studies indicated upregulation of p53, Bax, caspa see-3 and caspase-9 activity, particularly in the co-treatment group, suggesting enhanced engagement of the intrinsic apoptosis route.

Conclusion

Betanin and resveratrol reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with the combination exerting the strongest cytotoxicity, marked by apoptotic morphology and significant upregulation of p53, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9, indicating activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. These results highlight the therapeutic promise of these naturally derived compounds and suggest their potential as complementary agents in oral cancer management.