Inhibition of Cervical Cancer Cell Line Hela by Human Wharton’s Jelly Stem Cells Through Induction of Apoptosis

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers of women in the world, which causes high mortality. The human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly stem cells (hWJSCs) can inhibit various cancer cells. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of conditioned medium and cellular extract of human umbilical cord hWJSCs on cervical cancer cell line, Hela. Methods: After isolation and primary culture of hWJSCs, conditioned medium and cellular extracts of hWJSCs were prepared, and its anti-proliferative effects were evaluated on cervical cancer cells, Hela using micro-culture tetrazolium (MTT) assay. After total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, expression of apoptosis-related BCL-2 and BAX genes were evaluated using real-time PCR. Results: The results showed that conditioned medium (55% concentration in 72 hours) and cellular extraction (10% concentration in 24 hours) caused death of 50% cancer cells (IC50). The anti-cancer effects of conditioned medium and cellular extraction were concentration- and time-dependent. The conditioned medium and cellular extract of hWJSCs significantly down-regulated and up-regulated mRNA expression of apoptosis-related BCL-2 and BAX genes, respectively. Conclusions: Our study showed that conditioned medium and cellular extract of human umbilical cord hWJSCs inhibit viability and proliferation of cervical cancer cells. However, further studies on animal models are necessary for more accurate results.