Evaluation of the Individual Effects of Melatonin and Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes on Cell Viability and Apoptosis in BE(2)-C Neuroblastoma Cells In Vitro
Current Issues in Molecular Biology, cilt.48, sa.6, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 48 Sayı: 6
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.3390/cimb48060623
- Dergi Adı: Current Issues in Molecular Biology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Anahtar Kelimeler: BE(2)-C, exosome, melatonin, mesenchymal stem cell, neuroblastoma
- Erciyes Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
The study aimed to investigate the individual therapeutic effects of melatonin and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell exosomes (UC-MSC-Exo) separately on BE(2)-C neuroblastoma cells. Melatonin is recognized for its anti-cancer, antioxidant, and apoptosis-inducing properties, and its ability to cross the blood–brain barrier. UC-MSC-Exos are nanovesicles from mesenchymal stem cells that can also cross the blood–brain barrier and transport biologically active molecules. The potential therapeutic benefits of each independent agent in treating BE(2)-C neuroblastoma cells were investigated. Melatonin and UC-MSC-Exos were examined on BE(2)-C neuroblastoma cells at varying concentrations and time intervals to evaluate cell viability and apoptosis. Both melatonin and UC-MSC-Exo independently reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in a manner that depended on the dosage and duration of exposure. Melatonin had an IC50 of 2.68 mM after 24 h, while UC-MSC-Exo showed an IC50 of 25.3 μg/mL after 48 h, with no cytotoxic effects observed at 24 h. Specifically, individual concentrations of 2.5 mM and 5 mM of melatonin, as well as 50 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL of UC-MSC-Exo, led to significant levels of apoptotic and necrotic cells at 48 and 72 h (p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that the individual administration of melatonin and UC-MSC-Exo may hold therapeutic potential for neuroblastoma cells, particularly given their ability to cross the blood–brain barrier. Further in vivo research is required to evaluate their clinical utility.