Cortisol and Testosterone Induce Bax and Bcl-2 Gene Expression and Caspases-8 and -9 Activity in Colon Cancer Cells (ht29) and Reduced the Cell Viability

Abstract Cortisol and testosterone can inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. Cortisol may augment the anti-cancer activity of testosterone in colorectal cancer cells. This research aimed to assess the impact of cortisol and testosterone on the viability of colon cancer cells (HTCs). The cytotoxic effects of cortisol and testosterone were evaluated using the MTT assay. Bax and Bcl-2 expression levels were determined using real-time PCR. The colorimetric method was used to assess the activity of caspase-8 and -9 enzymes. The expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 genes significantly increased (p<0.001), as well as the activity levels of caspase-8 and -9, were elevated (p<0.001). Testosterone may exert cytotoxic activity in colon cancer cells in the presence of cortisol, and cortisol and testosterone cotreatment may contribute to the elevated Bax and Bcl-2 genes expression and caspase 8 and 9 activity enhancement in colorectal cancer cells.