Cytotoxic, apoptotic and genotoxic effects of thymoquinone‑oxime derivative on gastric cancer cells: An in vitro study

Bozali K., İNce Z., Kiziltoprak N., Gülşen T., Köstek M., Kesgin Y. M., ...More

Oncology Letters, vol.31, no.3, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 31 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.3892/ol.2026.15462
  • Journal Name: Oncology Letters
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE
  • Keywords: cytotoxicity, gastric cancer, genotoxicity, oxime, thymoquinone
  • Marmara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a notable global health concern, emphasizing the need for novel and effective thera‑ peutic agents. The present study investigated the cytotoxic, genotoxic and apoptotic effects of thymoquinone‑oxime (TQ‑ox) on human gastric adenocarcinoma AGS cells and assessed its potential to induce DNA damage. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in AGS and normal human gastric epithelial cells (HGEpiCs) using a luminometric ATP assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured fluorometrically, whereas intracellular glutathione (GSH) content was determined via a luminometric GSH assay kit. DNA damage was quantified by a comet assay, and apoptosis was assessed by fluorescence microscopy with acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB)