Investigation of cytotoxic, morphological and apoptotic effects of hypericin on MA-10 leydig cancer cells

Title: Investigation of Cytotoxic, Morphological and Apoptotic Effects of Hypericin on MA-10 Leydig Cancer Cells Aim: It was aimed to investigate the cytotoxic, antiproliferative, morphological and apoptotic effects of hypericin, which has shown anticancer properties, on MA-10 Leydig cancer cells. Methods: MA-10 Leydig cancer cells were cultured in vitro. As a result of 30, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 μM administration of hypericin, viable cell counts were determined by MTT test after 24, 48 and 72 hours. Morphology examination was performed under an inverted microscope and on hematoxylin-eosin stained preparations. Viable and apoptotic cell ratios were determined with annexin V and caspase 3/7 kits. In addition, Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase 3 immunostaining was performed. Results: A dose-dependent cytotoxic effect of hypericin on cells was determined by 24, 48 and 72 hour MTT tests. Morphological deterioration was observed in the cells by inverted microscope and hematoxylin-eosin staining methods. Annexin V and caspase 3/7 results showed that hypericin decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis and dead cell rates. Bcl-2, Bax and caspase 3 immunopositivity rates were increased compared to the control, depending on the increased hypericin doses. Conclusions: Depending on the dose, hypericin shows cytotoxic, apoptotic, antiproliferative effects in MA-10 Leydig cancer cells and disrupts cell morphology. Key words: MA-10 Leydig cancer cells, hypericin, cytotoxicity, apoptosis