Investigation of the anticancer, antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of pine bark extract in ovarian (MDAH-2774) cancer cell culture model

Objective: Gynecological cancers represent the fourth most common type of cancer worldwide. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, including catechin, epicatechin, taxifolin and phenolic acids in pine bark. The anticarcinogenic, antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of pine bark extracts on the human ovarian cancer cell line (MDAH-2774) were investigated. Materials and Methods: Gene expression was determined by means of the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. A TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End labelling (TUNEL) test was conducted to ascertain the extent of apoptosis. The IC₅₀ dose in MDAH-2774 cells was determined to be 117.6 μg/ml by 48 hours. Results: Notable alterations were discerned in the expression of caspase 3, 9, and 10 genes, which are implicated in programmed cell death, as well as in genes such as Bax, Bcl-2, and Bcl-Xl, which play a pivotal role in regulating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. A notable increase in the proportion of apoptotic cells was observed in the dose group. A significant reduction in invasion capacity was also identified. It has been demonstrated that pine bark extract can inhibit the migration capacity of ovarian cancer cells and colony formation. Conclusion: The findings suggest that pine bark extract exerts anticarcinogenic, antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on the ovarian cancer cell line.