Evaluation of the Molecular Effects of the Anticancer Adjuvant Valproic Acid on HEK293T Cells

Objective: Valproic acid (VPA) can induce apoptosis while inhibiting proliferation in various cancer cells. This study adopted a novel strategy for investigating the molecular effects of VPA on non-cancerous cells. Building upon our previous work, which examined the effects of VPA in PANC-1 cells, we now turn our attention to HEK293T cells to determine the effect of VPA in non-cancerous cells.Materials and Methods: HEK293T cells were treated with 2.5 and 5-mM VPA. Flow cytometry measurements were performed on the 24th, 48th, 72nd, and 96th h. Assays for apoptosis and proliferation were conducted using annexin V/ propidium iodide (PI) staining and carboxyfluorescein-succinimidyl ester (CFSE), respectively.Results: No statistical significance was detected between the two different doses of VPA-treated cells and the controls at any time point. While early apoptosis values remained stable until 72 h in all groups, an increase was monitored in cells subjected to VPA for 96 h.Conclusion: Preliminary results indicated no proliferative effect of VPA treatment. However, it may induce apoptosis in long-term incubations. Nevertheless, additional doses of VPA at increased concentrations should be administered to explore cytotoxic levels and their impact on proliferation and apoptosis.