The Effect of Combined Treatment with Mentha longifolia and Docetaxel on Histone Deacetylases in C6 Glioma Cells

Abstract

Aim: Gliomas are aggressive tumors that require effective treatment strategies due to their resistance to therapy. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of Mentha longifolia (wild mint) extract in combination with the chemotherapeutic agent docetaxel on the C6 glioma cell line, as well as its regulatory role on histone deacetylase (HDAC) gene expression.

Methods: C6 glioma cells were treated with specific concentrations of Mentha longifolia extract, docetaxel, and their combination. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Expression levels of HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC3 genes were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results: A significant decrease in cell viability was observed in the combination treatment group. Additionally, expression levels of HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC3 genes, particularly HDAC1, showed a marked reduction compared to single treatment groups.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that combined treatment with Mentha longifolia extract and docetaxel enhances cytotoxic effects in C6 glioma cells by suppressing HDAC gene expression. These results suggest that the use of herbal compounds in combination with chemotherapeutic agents may contribute to epigenetically targeted therapies in resistant tumors such as gliomas.

Keywords: Mentha longifolia, Docetaxel, Glioma, HDAC, epigenetic regulation