The Effects of Ferulic Acid on Proliferation and Apoptosis in Ishikawa Cells

Purpose: This study investigated the impact of applying ferulic acid on cellular responses linked to cell proliferation and apoptosis in Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells. Method: The effects of ferulic acid on the viability of Ishikawa cells were evaluated using an MTT assay. The application dose was determined based on preliminary experiments conducted over a wide dose range. Cellular morphological changes were examined using an inverted microscope. Cell proliferation was assessed using Ki-67 immunocytochemical staining, while the apoptotic response was analysed through Bax and Bcl-2 immunoreactivity and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Results: MTT analysis revealed that ferulic acid exhibited dose-dependent effects on cell viability, with a dose of 800 μM most effectively reducing viability to approximately 50%. Morphologically, ferulic acid -treated cells exhibited decreased cell density and disrupted monolayer integrity. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed decreased Ki-67 immunoreactivity and increased Bax and decreased Bcl-2 immunoreactivity, resulting in a significant increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that ferulic acid exhibits cytotoxic effects in Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells by suppressing proliferative activity and increasing apoptosis. These characteristics suggest that ferulic acid could be a candidate for supportive combination approaches to current endometrial cancer treatments. However, further experimental and clinical studies are required to evaluate this potential.