World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

LC–MS–BASED CHARACTERIZATION AND EPIGENETIC EVALUATION OF DECITABINE IN PANCREATIC CANCER CELL LINE MODELS

Dr. Syed Ahmed Hussain*, Bilquis Begum, Ghousia Begum, Nada Ahmed Al Amoodi, Fariya Sultana, Somabatthini Shruthi, Ayesha Ayub Khan, Muskan Khatoon

ABSTRACT

This study evaluates the in vitro anticancer efficacy and cytotoxicity profile of Decitabine compared to Gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cell line models (PANC-1, MIA PaCa-2, AsPC-1). A five-assay screening panel was employed—two assays assessing cell viability (Resazurin/Alamar Blue and ATP Luminescence) and three assays measuring apoptosis/cytotoxicity (Annexin V/PI, Caspase-3/7 activity, and LDH release). Decitabine maintained relatively high viability (86% and 89%) and showed moderate apoptosis (21%), mild caspase activation (1.6-fold), and limited LDH release (17%), indicating weak cytotoxic potential. In contrast, Gemcitabine, used as the positive control, significantly reduced viability (44% and 39%), induced robust apoptosis (59%), strong caspase activation (3.7-fold), and high LDH release (60%). These findings suggest that Decitabine exerts modest antiproliferative and apoptotic effects in pancreatic cancer cells, likely through DNA hypomethylation rather than direct cytotoxicity. Overall, while less potent than Gemcitabine, Decitabine may serve as a low-toxicity epigenetic modulator in combination regimens for pancreatic cancer therapy.

[Full Text Article]   [Download Certificate]