Investigation of the effects of Protocatechuic acid on apoptosis, oxidant and antioxidant status in Caco-2 colorectal cancer cells

Aim: Protocatechuic acid (PCA) is one of the common phenolic acids found in many foods and plants and it has multiple biological activities. Although PCA has been investigated for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects in various cell lines, its effects on molecules involved in the apoptotic pathway, especially in human colon cancer (Caco-2) cells, have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PCA on possible oxidant, antioxidant, and apoptosis mechanisms in Caco-2 cells, depending on dose and time. Methods: In the experimental study, 4 groups were created: control (K), PCA (250-500-1000 µM). Total oxidant capacity (TOC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Oxidative stress index (OSI), Bax, Bad, Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, and Caspase 9 protein levels were determined by the ELISA method in the cell lysates obtained from the groups. Results: The results showed that PCA treatment had apoptotic effects on Caco-2 cells at 24 and 48 h. PCA also decreased OSI levels by increasing TAC levels and decreasing TOC levels in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: As a result, it was determined that PCA has an apoptotic effect on the Caco-2 cell line and can be useful in the prevention and/or treatment of colon cancer.