Exploring the therapeutic potential of curcumin in oral squamous cell carcinoma (HSC-3 cells): Molecular insights into hypoxia-mediated angiogenesis

Background: Oral cancer represents a substantial global health burden, often associate with hypoxia-induced angiogenesis as a critical factor in its progression. Curcumin, a naturally occurring bioactive compounds, has gained increasing attention for its potential anticancer properties. Objective: To assess the impact of curcumin on oral cancer, particularly its role in modulating HIF-1 alpha-mediated angiogenesis in HSC-3 cells. Methods: Our investigation involved multiple experimental approaches, including MTT assay, aerobic glycolysis by metabolic kit, cell cycle, and apoptosis assessment via flow cytometry. Furthermore, we employed molecular docking techniques to examine the interactions between curcumin and key angiogenesis related proteins, including HIF1 alpha, VEGF-B, MMP-3, and STAT3. Results: Our results demonstrate that curcumin exerts significant effects on the cell survivability, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis induction in oral cancer cells. These effects were particularly pronounced under the conditions of HIF-1 alpha mediated angiogenesis. Computational binding analysis revealed strong binding interactions with curcumin and the selected proteins, implying a plausible mechanism through which curcumin may modulate the angiogenic pathways in oral cancer. Conclusion: Our research sheds light on the diverse effects of curcumin on oral cancer cells, emphasizing its potential as a promising therapeutic tool for addressing hypoxia-induced angiogenesis. However, further investigation is essential to comprehensively understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects in in vitro models. This deeper comprehension is crucial for translating these findings into clinical applications aimed at improving oral cancer treatment.