A comparative analysis of cytotoxic effects: Lactobacillus reuteri Extract vs. Newcastle Disease Virus in human colorectal cancer (HT-29 cell line).

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major global health burden. Standard therapies, including surgical removal and chemotherapy, can cause significant complications such as fatigue and nausea. This research evaluated and compared the cell-killing effects of Lactobacillus reuteri extract and Newcastle disease virus on human CRC cells as potential lower-toxicity therapeutic options.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

HT-29 cells were cultured under standard conditions and treated with different concentrations of Lactobacillus reuteri extract and Newcastle disease virus to determine IC50 values. Cell viability, apoptotic morphology, and caspase activity were evaluated using the MTT assay, acridine orange/propidium iodide staining, and caspase assay, respectively. Statistical significance was set at P< 0.05.

RESULTS

Treatment with both compounds significantly reduced cell viability and enhanced apoptotic cell death in a manner related to dose and exposure time. Evaluation of caspase-8 and caspase-9 activities indicated that Newcastle disease virus triggered apoptosis via both death receptor-mediated and mitochondrial pathways, whereas Lactobacillus reuteri extract primarily activated the intrinsic apoptotic route.

DISCUSSION: The present findings support the potential application of bacterial products and oncolytic viruses as adjuncts to conventional cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, although clinical validation is still required. Their use may contribute to greater therapeutic efficacy and fewer side effects, thereby offering a potentially beneficial strategy in CRC management.