The Effect of Nigella sativa Linn. Extract on E2F1 Expression and Apoptosis in Retinoblastoma Y79 Cells

Introduction: This study aims to investigate whether the Nigella sativa Linn. extract (NSE) exhibits anti-retinoblastoma (RB) effects on human RB Y79 cells. Methods: Human RB Y79 cells were exposed to various concentrations of NSE: 200, 150, 100, and 50 μg/mL for 72 hours. Apoptosis assays were conducted using the FITC Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit with propidium iodide. E2 promoter binding factor 1 (E2F1) expression was determined by incubating cells with an E2F1-specific antibody. The levels of apoptotic cells and E2F1 were quantitatively measured by flow cytometry. Results: The results indicate that NSE, starting at 100 μg/mL, displayed antiproliferative properties on RB Y79 cells, characterised by a significant reduction in the number of viable cells. Induction of apoptosis was observed in RB Y79 cells exposed to NSE in a dose-dependent manner. Suppression of E2F1 expression was noted only at higher dosages. Additionally, a moderate correlation between E2F1 and cell viability/apoptosis was documented. Conclusions: Our study suggests that Nigella sativa Linn. could serve as an apoptosis-inducing anticancer agent for RB treatment.