Sanguinarine-Mediated Sensitization of Cervical Cancer SiHa Cells to TRAIL

Introduction: Cervical cancer is primarily caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), which transforms normal cervical cells into cancerous cells that are highly resistant to radiation and chemotherapy. Induction of apoptosis in transformed cells is a key strategy in successfully treating HPV-induced cervical cancer. TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand) has been shown to selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells by binding to death receptors and activating extrinsic pathways for apoptosis. However, certain cervical cancers—such as the cultured cell line SiHa—are remarkably resistant to TRAIL. In this study, SiHa cells were sensitized to TRAIL by using sanguinarine—derived from the plant Sanguinaria Canadensis—which is known to induce oxidative stress and lead to the upregulation of receptors for TRAIL. Methods: Cultured SiHa cells were exposed to sub-lethal doses of sanguinarine in combination with TRAIL. Cell viability changes as well as the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed. The induction of apoptosis was investigated by assays for caspase activation. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze expression of death receptors 4/5. Results: Treatment of SiHa cells with a combination of sanguinarine and TRAIL led to a significant reduction in cell viability. Significant increase in ROS was observed and caspase activation assays confirmed the induction of apoptosis. Conclusions: The observed synergistic effect of sanguinarine and TRAIL on SiHa cells is promising for the treatment of cervical, and possibly other, HPV-induced cancers. Oxidative stress caused by sanguinarine seems to play a central role in this synergy. The precise link between reactive oxygen species and the possible upregulation of death receptors needs further investigation. This knowledge will enable us to devise more effective treatments for those who suffer from this devastating disease.