Chrysin Exhibits Selective Antiproliferative and Antimigratory Activities in a Wide Range of Human-derived Cervical Cancer Cell Lines

Background: In the past few years, the antiproliferative activities of chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) have garnered significant attention in anticancer drug discovery due to its promising ability to suppress cancer cell proliferation. However, studies on its effects on cervical cancer are limited and have primarily focused on HeLa cells.

Objective: In order to better understand its therapeutic potential for cervical cancer, we assessed the antiproliferative and anti-migratory effects of chrysin in a wide range of human-derived cell lines comprising C33A (human papillomavirus/HPV-negative), HeLa (HPV 18-positive), SiHa (HPV 16-positive), and CaSKi (HPV 16 and 18- positive), in comparison to a human epithelial cell line derived from spontaneously immortalized cell, HaCaT.

Methods: Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay, while the clonogenic assay evaluated long-term cytotoxicity. Morphological alterations were observed via light microscopy, and cell death was assessed using Annexin V FITC/propidium iodide (PI) staining. Total reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured by fluorescence microscopy, the mitochondrial transmembrane potential was assessed using TMRE, and lipid peroxidation was analyzed using DPPP. Additionally, wound healing migration and cell invasion assays were conducted.

Results: Chrysin selectively inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in every cervical cancer cell line assessed while exerting minimal effects on HaCaT cells. Additionally, it triggered mitochondrial redox imbalance and significantly suppressed both migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells.

Conclusion: Based on these results, chrysin appears to be a promising candidate as an anticancer agent for both HPV-associated and HPV-independent cervical cancers, emphasizing the necessity for further exploration in subsequent studies.