“Actividad pro-apoptótica in vitro del extracto de maranthus hypochondriacus en células cancerígenas”

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is a group of pathologies that share an uncontrolled process of growth and division of abnormal cells, which have the ability to spread to any tissue in the human body. The organism is made up of millions of cells that complete a life cycle, that is, they are born, reproduce and die, however, cancer cells lack this property of dying, which causes an increase in tissue, tumors and neoplasms. Cervical cancer is defined as the appearance of abnormal cells in the tissue of the cervix, increasing in size and reproducing without stopping, it is the fourth most common type of cancer in women and in various Latin American countries such as Ecuador, Colombia and Peru It is the cancer that is most frequently detected daily according to the Pan American Health Organization. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) together with risk factors such as age over 45 years, start of sexual life under 20 years and several sexual partners is associated in 99% with women who have developed cervical cancer, on the other hand, this virus has an extensive number of subtypes, 15 present a potential danger for developing cancer and specifically, there are 2 subtypes, 16 and 18, that increase the risk. Objective: To evaluate the pro-apoptotic activity in vitro of Amaranthus hypochondriacus extract in cancer cells. Methodology: In the present study, the action and effect of amaranth extract on cancerous cervical cells was investigated, 2 groups of HeLa cells were used, one group added Amaranthus hypochondriacus extract and another group, control without treatment, apoptosis was evaluated in both groups. Results: Bax, Bcl2 and caspase 8 expression was higher in HeLa cells treated with Amaranthus hypochondriacus, while p53 expression was similar in HeLa cells with treatment and without treatment. Conclusion: Amaranthus hypochondriacus in an optimal dose can favor the apoptosis of cancer cells of the cervix. Recommendation: Increase the number of cases that continue with the analysis of the Amaranthus hypochondriacus effect on cancer cells, also carry out a quantitative study which would have great scientific value.