Cytotoxic Effects of Hypericum Perforatum on Glioblastoma Cells by Inducing Oxidative Stress, Autophagy and Apoptosis.

Aim: To identify the autophagy mechanism T98 glioma cells.

Material and methods: Three groups were created with T98 human glioblastoma cells; Group 1: T98 glioma cells without treatment (Control group). Group 2: T98 glioma cells treated with 3 µl/ml JWO. Group 3: T98 glioma cells treated with 6 µl/ml JWO. The cell proliferation, oxidative stress, types of cell death were studied at IC50 dose of JWO.

Results: The proliferation of glioma cells was inhibited in 5.296 µl/ml dose. JWO induced apoptosis in T98 glioma cells in comparison with the control and there was statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Apoptosis was analyzed via TUNEL method and results were checked by flow cytometry. We also investigated the effects of JWO on autophagy in T98 glioma cells by immunostaining LC3-II and MDC fluorescent stainings. The differences between JWO treated and control group were notably significant (p < 0.001). The immunofluorescence staining resultsof LC3-II was confirmed by Western blotting analysis.

Conclusion: JWO seems to be an effective treatment agent for glioblastoma. Not only does it induce apoptosis via oxidative stress but also affects the autophagy. The use of JWO in combination with other treatment options may increase the efficacy of treatment.