Investigation of the Synergistic Effect of Allium Polyanthum Schult Extract and Docetaxel on Apoptosis-Related Genes in Colorectal Cancer Cells and Bioinformatics Analysis

Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a type of cancer with high mortality and widespread metastasis. The aim was to determine the expression levels of apoptosis-related genes in CRC cells treated with Allium polyanthum Schult plant extract and the combination of this plant extract with docetaxel. Material and Method: Expression analyses of caspase-2 (CASP2), nuclear factor NF-kappa-B1 (NFKB1), apoptosis regulator BAX and proto-oncogene MYC genes that play a role in apoptosis in the CRC cell line HT-29 and the healthy colon cell line CCD-18Co, which were treated with only Allium polyanthum Schult plant extract and docetaxel together with this plant extract, were performed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Bioinformatics analysis of relevant genes was performed using various databases. Results: CASP2, MYC, NFKB1 and BAX gene expression was significantly decreased in CRC cells treated with the combination of Allium polyanthum Schult extract and docetaxel compared to healthy cells. As a result of bioinformatics analysis, it was found that CASP2, MYC, NFKB1 and BAX proteins interact with each other and the expression levels of their genes are associated with survival. In addition, the methylation status of CASP2 and NFKB1 has the potential to change protein levels by affecting epigenetic mechanisms in CRC. Discussion: According to the information in the literature, it has been reported that Allium species affect genes in apoptotic pathways. Accordingly, Allium polyanthum Schult alone and in combination with docetaxel should be supported by further studies.