Anti-proliferative effect of sodium butyrate against Caco-2 cell line of human colorectal cancer by reducing the expression ratio of BcL-2 to Bax mRNA

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers. Epigenetic change has been considered by many scientists as a therapeutic target. Hyper acetylation of chromatin components by sodium butyrate can alter gene regulation. This study aims to investigate the effects of sodium butyrate on Bax and Bcl-2 gene expression.

Caco-2 cell line was treated with different concentrations of sodium butyrate (25 mM to 150 mM) based on IC50 concentration in two time periods of 24 hours and 48 hours. Bax and Bcl-2 gene expression were measured by qReal-Time PCR technique and Bcl2/Bax ratio was evaluated.

The results showed that sodium butyrate increased the expression of Bax gene and decreased the expression of Bcl-2 gene in treated cells compared to the control group, which was statistically significant (p < /em> <0.05), and 25 mM was selected as the most effective dose after 48 hours of treatment. Also, the Bcl-2/Bax ratio at the same concentration showed a significant decrease

Sodium butyrate induces apoptosis in cancer cells by reducing the expression ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. It can be used as a therapeutic target but needs further investigation.