Curcumin synergistically enhances the radiosensitivity of human oral squamous cell carcinoma via suppression of radiation-induced NF-κB activity

I. Tsang Chiang, Yu Chang Liu, Fei Ting Hsu, Yi Chun Chien, Chih Hao K Kao, Wuu Jyh Lin, Jing Gung Chung, Jeng Jong Hwang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The anticancer effect of curcumin has been widely reported. However, whether curcumin can enhance the radiosensitivity of human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin combined with radiation against OSCC. SAS cells were transfected with the luciferase gene (luc) and named SAS/luc. NF-κB/DNA binding activity, the surviving fraction and NF-κB-regulated effector protein expression were determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, clonogenic survival assay and western blotting, respectively. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in SAS/luc tumor-bearing mice by caliper measurement and bioluminescence imaging. Curcumin enhanced SAS/luc radiosensitivity through the inhibition of radiation-induced NF-κB activity and expression of effector proteins both in vitro and in vivo. With 4 Gy or greater radiation doses, synergistic effects of curcumin were observed. The combination group (curcumin plus radiation) had significantly better tumor control compared with that of curcumin or radiation alone. No significant body weight change of mice was found throughout the entire study. In conclusion, curcumin is a radiosensitizer against OSCC with negligible toxicity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1729-1737
Number of pages9
JournalOncology Reports
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Curcumin
  • Nuclear factor-κB
  • Radiotherapy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cancer Research
  • Oncology

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