Can Vuruskan, Burcu Cerci Alkaç, Tuba Oz, Melek Pehlivan, Mustafa Soyoz
Experimed - 2025;15(2):169-174
Objective: Researchers have established that the fenugreek plant exhibits anti-proliferative effects against various types of cancer, highlighting its potential as a valuable source for the development of new anticancer drugs. This study attempted to assess the anti-cancer effects of fenugreek on the K562 chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells due to the Wnt signaling pathway. Materials and Methods: The cytotoxic effect of Fenugreek was performed by 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5- sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay. We used reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to determine gene expression, and western blot was used to detect beta-catenin, c-Jun Nterminal kinase (JNK), calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CamK), and protein kinase C (PKC) proteins. Results: The IC?? value of fenugreek extract was 717 g/mL after 24 h, and an in vitro cytotoxic effect was observed on K562 cell lines. JNK, PKC, CamK, and beta-catenin protein levels were reduced in fenugreek extract-treated cells by 81%, 20%, 7%, and 26%, respectively. Conclusion: According to our findings, fenugreek can affect both canonical and non-canonical pathways in K562 cells, particularly via the JNK protein in the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway. These data corroborates our hypothesis that fenugreek extract possesses adjuvant compounds beneficial for CML treatment.
