Shilajit Decreases Viability of C6 Cell line: A Possible Role of Several Cytokines Involved in the Inflammatory Ppathway

Background: Glioma is the most malignant type of brain tumor. Since glioma cells secrete various inflammatory mediators that contribute to tumor development and expansion, anti-inflammatory agents may ameliorate glioma invasion and progression. Shilajit (SH) or mumie is a natural compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activity, which is expected to reduce tumor invasion and spread, thereby increasing the survival rate in patients suffering from glioblastoma. The present research was conducted to examine the impact of SH on some inflammatory cytokines secreted by the C6 cell line, as glioblastoma cells. Methods: SH was used at different concentrations to treat C6 and fibroblast cells. Then, the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) of SH was assessed after 1, 2, and 3 days through the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol 2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. By measuring interleukin (IL)-6, transforming growth factor-1(TGF-1ꞵ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-10 gene expression levels through the quantitative real-time PCR technique, the impact of SH on these genes was assessed in C6 and fibroblast cell lines. Results: The IC50 values of SH after 72 h were 325 ± 28 μg/mL in C6. At the IC50 concentration, SH decreased the levels of gene expression of TGF-β1, TNF-α, and IL-6 only in the C6 cell line. However, for both cell lines, this concentration raised IL-10 gene expression. Conclusion: Our findings showed that SH may exert inhibitory effects on C6 cells through the up-regulation of IL-10 and the down-regulation of IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-1β gene expression. It might also negatively affect the invasion and progression of glioma in patients