Investigation of the anticancer, antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of pine bark extract in ovarian (MDAH-2774) cancer cell culture model

Year 2026, Volume: 39 Issue: 1, 58 - 66, 28.01.2026

Gazi Contuk , Mücahit Seçme , Yavuz Dodurga , Meltem Taş , Gülsen Tel-Çayan , Gülçin Abban Mete

https://doi.org/10.5472/marumj.1873498

Abstract

Objective: Gynecological cancers represent the fourth most common type of cancer worldwide. The high-performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, including catechin, epicatechin, taxifolin and
phenolic acids in pine bark. The anticarcinogenic, antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of pine bark extracts on the human ovarian
cancer cell line (MDAH-2774) were investigated.
Materials and Methods: Gene expression was determined by means of the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction
(RT-PCR) method. A TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End labelling (TUNEL) test was conducted to ascertain the extent of apoptosis. The
IC₅₀ dose in MDAH-2774 cells was determined to be 117.6 μg/ml by 48 hours.
Results: Notable alterations were discerned in the expression of caspase 3, 9, and 10 genes, which are implicated in programmed cell
death, as well as in genes such as Bax, Bcl-2, and Bcl-Xl, which play a pivotal role in regulating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. A
notable increase in the proportion of apoptotic cells was observed in the dose group. A significant reduction in invasion capacity was
also identified. It has been demonstrated that pine bark extract can inhibit the migration capacity of ovarian cancer cells and colony
formation.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that pine bark extract exerts anticarcinogenic, antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on the ovarian
cancer cell line.

Keywords

Ovarian cancer cell (MDAH-2774) , Cell culture techniques , Apoptosis , Neoplasms

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