Effect of blueberry extract on enhancement of radiosensitivity in non-Hodgkin lymphoma by modulating proliferation and apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a major cancer type, is usually treated with radiotherapy but encounters challenges with resistance and toxicity. Therefore, the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma needs agents to be very effective while protecting healthy cells. Blueberry extract, rich in micronutrients, flavonoids, and bioactive compounds, may inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis without harming normal cells. OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the efficacy of blueberry extract in combination with radiotherapy as a radiosensitizer on Raji cells, a model for highly invasive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. METHODS: First, Raji cells were treated with blueberry extract alone and in combination with a single dose of 2 Gy radiotherapy. The effects of blueberry extract on inhibiting proliferation and induction of apoptosis in Raji cells were investigated by MTT assay, flow cytometry (Annexin-V-FITC), cell cycle analysis, and quantitative gene expression analysis of BAX, BCL-2 and XPA. Its role in improving the efficacy of radiotherapy on cancer cells was also investigated. RESULTS: Treated cells with blueberry extract alone and in combination with radiotherapy showed reduced viability, increased induction of apoptosis and a higher proportion of cells in the SUB-G1 cell cycle phase was detected. Additionally, gene expression analysis indicated upregulation of the pro-apoptotic gene BAX expression and decreased anti-apoptotic gene BCL-2 expression, along with elevated expression of XPA as an indicator of DNA damage after radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that blueberry extract stimulates apoptosis in Raji cells and could serve as an anti-cancer drug. Furthermore, the combination of this extract with radiotherapy could be used as a radiosensitizer.