Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Dithiocarbamate on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma HSC-3 and HSC-4 Cell Lines
Wastuti Hidayati Suriyah1*, How N.-F. Fiona2 Abdul Razak K3 Muhammad Lokman Md. Isa4 Solachuddin J.A. Ichwan5

1 Department of Oral Biology Faculty of Dentistry Universitas YARSI, Indonesia
2 Department of Chemistry Kulliyyah of Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia
3 Department of Basic Medical Sciences Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia
4Institute of Planetary Survival for Sustainable Well-being, International Islamic University Malaysia
5 Dentistry Programme PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent and aggressive cancer in the head and neck region, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Current treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are often limited by severe side effects and the emergence of chemoresistant cancer cells. Dithiocarbamate (DTC) has exhibited various chemical and biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer effects. This study aims to explore the anticancer potential of DTC on oral cancer cells. Human OSCC cell lines HSC-3 and HSC-4 were utilized. Cytotoxic activities were measured using the MTT assay. Apoptotic cell numbers were evaluated through flow cytometry analysis. The expression levels of pro-apoptotic genes PUMA and Caspase-9 were assessed using Quantitative RT-PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett^s post hoc test to compare the means between treatment and control groups. Our results demonstrated that DTC decreased the viability of oral cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometry showed an increase in apoptotic cells, supported by significant upregulations of PUMA and Caspase-9 (p<0.05). DTC demonstrates significant pro-apoptotic activity against HSC-3 and HSC-4 cell lines, highlighting its potential as a new chemotherapeutic agent for OSCC.

Keywords: Apoptosis, Dithiocarbamate, HSC-3, HSC-4, OSCC

Topic: Pharmacology