1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Dentistry, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE. Center for Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research (CMBAHSR), Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
2 Reader, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Nitte (Deemed to be) University, Deralakkatte, Karnataka, India
*Corresponding Author E-mail: a.Luke@ajman.ac.ae
This study explores the in vitro antitumor effects of clotrimazole, a well-established antifungal agent, on CAL-27 and UM 1 human OSCC cell lines.
Employing the MTT assay, we observed a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability following clotrimazole treatment, indicative of its potential cytotoxicity against OSCC cells. Results and conclusion: Flow cytometry analysis revealed a substantial increase in apoptotic cells, suggesting a pronounced pro-apoptotic effect. Concurrently, clotrimazole induced alterations in cell cycle progression, indicating a potential cytostatic impact on OSCC cells. Western blot analysis provided mechanistic insights, revealing changes in the expression of key regulatory proteins associated with apoptosis (e.g., caspases) and cell cycle control (e.g., cyclins and CDKs). Notably, clotrimazole exhibited a modulatory effect on signaling pathways implicated in cancer cell survival and proliferation, including the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting clotrimazole's potential as an antitumor agent. The multifaceted impact of clotrimazole on OSCC cells, as demonstrated in this study, underscores its potential as a promising candidate for future OSCC therapeutic strategies.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma, Clotrimazole, Therapeutic, Pro-apoptosis
