Determination of anti-cancer activity of a benzofuran ring-connected 3-nitrophenyl chalcone derivative on colon cancer cells

The incidence of cancer, which is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases, is increasing day by day. According to current statistical data, one out of every ten people who apply to a health institution with various symptoms of cancer is diagnosed with colon cancer. Due to the increase seen, there is a need for new targeted treatment methods with less side effects compared to treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy used in the clinic. Chalcones, which are naturally found in plants or can be synthesized artificially, have a wide range of biological activities, especially anti-cancer. In this thesis study, it was determined that the 3-nitrophenyl chalcone derivative [3-(3-Nitrophenyl)-1-(benzofurane-2-yl)-2-propen-1 one] with benzofuran ring attached to human colon cancer cells (HCT-116, HT- 29) on the anti-cancer effects and mechanisms were investigated. The effect of the derivative on cell viability was determined by the SRB method and based on the results obtained, dose and treatment duration were selected to be used in further analysis. In addition, a combination study was conducted with 5-fluorouracil, a chemotherapeutic drug widely used in the treatment of human colon cancer in the clinic. The mechanism by which cell death occurs (apoptosis/necrosis) was analyzed under a fluorescent microscope with the AnnexinV/Hoechst/Propidium Iodide triple staining method. Current Levels of Caspase 3/7 molecules, which are involved in the apoptotic pathway, were determined quantitatively by cytometry. The stage of suppression of the cell cycle was analyzed using flow cytometry. Changes in proteins associated with apoptosis, which is one of the cell death mechanisms, were evaluated using Western blot method. Finally, the effects of cells on migration and colony formation abilities were determined. In line with the findings, the derivative caused an increase in cytotoxic activity and apoptosis in human colon cancer cells depending on the dose and time, suppressed cell division in the G0/G1 stage, was found cause a decrease in their migration and colony formation abilities.