Different cellular responses to Artemisinin in cancer and normal cells: evaluation of cytotoxic, genotoxic and antioxidant effects with in silico molecular docking

Artemisinin effects in cancer and normal cells

Abstract

Artemisinin is a natural compound that exhibits cytotoxic effects, particularly on cancer cells. This study investigated the effects of Artemisinin on the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antioxidant enzyme activities of the human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) and the normal fibroblast cell line (L929) with molecular docking. Cells were treated with Artemisinin at concentrations of 12.5 µM, 25 µM, and 50 µM. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, DNA damage using the comet assay, and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx) using the ELISA method. MTT analysis revealed a dose-dependent decrease in viability in MDA-MB-231 cells, with an LD₅₀ value determined to be 25 µM. In L929 cells, viability was preserved up to 25 µM, but a decrease was observed at 50 µM. Comet assay results showed that DNA damage increased in a dose-dependent manner in MDA-MB-231 cells, while in L929 cells, significant damage occurred only at 50 µM. Antioxidant enzyme analyses revealed significant decreases in SOD, CAT, and GPx activities in MDA-MB-231 cells, while no changes were observed in L929 cells at 25 µM, and enzyme activities decreased at 50 µM. Artemisinin produces cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in cancer cells with showed molecular docking parameter, while exhibiting lower toxicity at low concentrations in normal cells.