EFFECTS OF COLLAGEN TYPE 1 AND 3 ON CELL PROLIFERATION AND ALPHA FETO PROTEIN EXPRESSION IN A HUMAN CELL LINE MODEL OF LIVER CANCER

Objective: In cancer research, studies showing the behaviour of cells in different environments is important for developing new treatment methods. The microenvironment is essential for both regular and cancerous tissues. The main component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is collagen. In HepG2 cells, a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, the effects of Type 1 and Type 3 collagen on cell proliferation and the expression of alpha-feto protein (AFP), which is an indicator of carcinogenicity, was examined. Material and Method: HepG2 cells were grown in Type 1 or Type 3 covered surfaces, whereas no treatment was applied to the control group. Proliferation analysis was performed via microscopic examination and cell viability assessmet kit (Cell Counting Kit-8, CCK-8). AFP was measured using a confocal microscope using immunological staining. Result: The results showed that the viability rate of HepG2 cells growing in Type 3 collagen medium was statistically higher than in the control group (p<0.0001). AFP expression increased significantly in the presence of Type 3 collagen compared with the control group at the 24 th hour (p<0.05), and at other culture times, AFP expression was seen more in Type 1 collagen culture medium. Conclusion: HepG2 cells cultured in both types of collagen have a morphologically similar structure, and Type 1 and Type 3 collagen have a proliferation-enhancing effect on cancer cells. AFP, an indicator of liver cancer, is high in culture media containing Type 1 and Type 3 collagen.