Abstract:
Vitamin D has displayed anti-cancer actions in numerous in vitro studies. Here,
we investigated the anti-cancer actions of cholecalciferol, a vitamin D precursor, on a metastatic
cervical cancer cell line, namely, CaSki. Experimental cultures were incubated for 72 h and treated
with cholecalciferol (10–1000 ng/mL). In the present study, cell count, viability, proliferation and cell
cycle were analyzed by a crystal violet assay, trypan blue assay, Ki67 proliferation, and a cell cycle
assay, respectively. Biomarkers of apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagic cell death were measured by the
Caspase 3/7 and Annexin V/7-AAD Muse™ assays, a LC3-II assay, and a lactate dehydrogenase release
assay, respectively. The ultrastructural features of cell death were assessed by transmission electron
microscopy. A statistical analysis was performed using a one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni’s post-hoc
analysis test, and p < 0.05 is considered statistically significant here. The results identify statistical
decreases in cell count and viability at high-dose treatments (100 and 1000 ng/mL). In addition,
significant increases in apoptotic biochemical markers and apoptotic ultrastructure are shown to be
present at high-dose treatments. In conclusion, high-dose cholecalciferol treatments inhibit cell count
and viability, which are both mediated by apoptotic induction in the CaSki cell line
