Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
International Eurasian Conference on Biological and Chemical Sciences, Ankara, Türkiye, 2 - 04 Ekim 2024, ss.178
Mitochondrial function and dynamics play a critical role in the progression of various pathological conditions, including metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s), and cancer. These dynamics are regulated through key processes, including mitochondrial fusion, fission, and mitophagy. In this study, the effects of thymoquinone, the primary bioactive compound in Nigella sativa extracts and essential oil, were investigated with a focus on mitophagy in HepG2 (liver cancer) and HDF (human dermal fibroblast) cells. Thymoquinone is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties, and has been proposed as a complementary agent in cancer therapies. MTT assays were conducted to assess thymoquinone's cytotoxic effects, and IC50 values were determined. Additionally, cell proliferation was analyzed using colony formation assays. The primary objective was to evaluate whether thymoquinone activates mitophagy through the PINK1-Parkin pathway and its relationship with mitophagy inhibition via the fission mechanism. The involvement of DRP1 protein in fission was specifically examined. Both Real-time PCR and Western blot analyses were performed to investigate these processes. The findings demonstrated that thymoquinone activates mitophagy and contributes to apoptosis through the release of cytochrome c, with its effects on fission being mediated by DRP1. Overall, this study highlights the potential role of thymoquinone in modulating mitophagy in both cancerous and healthy cells, suggesting its beneficial use as an adjunct in therapeutic strategies.