relatively higher incidence in developing countries. Chronic infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly types 16 and 18, has been recognized as the principal causative factor. Although conventional treatments are highly effective, the limitations of these treatments, including toxicity, resistance, and recurrence, underscore the need for non-toxic complementary therapies. In this context, vaginal Lactobacillus species and their derivatives have been recognized as potential candidates for the prevention of cervical cancer. The anticancer potential of Lactobacillus acidophilus cell-free supernatant (LACFS) was examined in this investigation against human cervical cancer cell lines, SiHa (HPV Positive) and C33A (HPV Negative). L. acidophilus (ATCC 4356) was cultured anaerobically, and sterile cell-free supernatant was obtained for in vitro experiments.
Cytotoxicity was measured by MTT assay, morphological changes by phase contrast microscopy, migratory ability by scratch wound healing assay, and apoptosis induction by Annexin V-FITC/Propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. Following treatment with LACFS, there was a significant concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability in both cell lines, with SiHa cells being more sensitive. Morphological analysis showed characteristic features of apoptosis such as cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, and loss of attachment to the substrate. Scratch wound healing assay showed a significant decrease in wound closure, indicating a defect in migratory ability. Flow cytometry analysis further supported a significant increase in both early and late apoptotic cells, with very little necrosis being observed. These findings cumulatively and definitively demonstrate that the metabolites of L. acidophilus have strong cytotoxic, anti-migratory, and apoptosis-inducing effects, and therefore define their potential as a safe and cheap adjunct therapy for cervical cancer.
Keywords: Cervical cancer, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Cell-free supernatant, Apoptosis.
How to cite this article: Supriya Y, Sivamalar S, Roy JP, Sudharsan K, Bioactive Substances Derived From Probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus Reduce Motility And Viability In Cervical Cancer Cells. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(2s): 779-784; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.779-784