Combination of Biochanin A and Temozolomide Impairs Tumor Growth by Modulating Cell Metabolism in Glioblastoma Multiforme

Background/aim Several epidemiological studies have reported the chemopreventive potential of biochanin A, in cancer development and progression. We investigated the anticancer potential of combination of biochanin A and temozolomide against U-87 MG and T98 G [glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)] cells. Materials and methods We evaluated the effect of biochanin A and temozolomide treatment on cell viability, expression of survival proteins, cell cycle, cell metabolism and mitochondrial function. Results Enhanced inhibitory effects of the combination treatment were observed on cell viability, expression of cell survival proteins EGFR, p-ERK, p-AKT, c-myc and MT-MMP1, and increased expression of the tumor suppressor, p-p53. Combination treatment also induced arrest in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. A shift in the metabolic phenotype of cells from glycolytic to oxidative phosphorylation was observed on combination treatment and the permeabilized cells showed a significant impairment in complex IV activity. Conclusion Biochanin A significantly enhanced the anticancer efficacy of temozolomide in GBM cells.