Cholecalciferol inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in the CaSki cell line

Vitamin D has displayed anti-cancer actions in numerous in vitro studies. Here, we investigated the anti-cancer actions of cholecalciferol, a vitamin D precursor, on a metastatic cervical cancer cell line, namely, CaSki. Experimental cultures were incubated for 72 h and treated with cholecalciferol (10–1000 ng/mL). In the present study, cell count, viability, proliferation and cell cycle were analyzed by a crystal violet assay, trypan blue assay, Ki67 proliferation, and a cell cycle assay, respectively. Biomarkers of apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagic cell death were measured by the Caspase 3/7 and Annexin V/7-AAD Muse™ assays, a LC3-II assay, and a lactate dehydrogenase release assay, respectively. The ultrastructural features of cell death were assessed by transmission electron microscopy. A statistical analysis was performed using a one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni’s post-hoc analysis test, and p < 0.05 is considered statistically significant here. The results identify statistical decreases in cell count and viability at high-dose treatments (100 and 1000 ng/mL). In addition, significant increases in apoptotic biochemical markers and apoptotic ultrastructure are shown to be present at high-dose treatments. In conclusion, high-dose cholecalciferol treatments inhibit cell count and viability, which are both mediated by apoptotic induction in the CaSki cell lineNational Research Foundation (NRF); Research Committee (School of Medicine) of the University of Pretoria (RESCOM); Research Development Program from the University of Pretoria and South African Medical Research Council.http://www.mdpi.com/journal/medscihj2021Chemical PathologyPhysiolog