Regulatory Effect of Ficus carica Latex on Cell Cycle Progression in Human Papillomavirus-Positive Cervical Cancer Cell Lines: Insights from Gene Expression Analysis.

Cervical cancer presents a significant global health concern with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) identified as the main cause of this cancer. Although current treatment methods for cervical cancer can eliminate lesions, preventing metastatic spread and minimizing tissue damage remain a major challenge. Therefore, the development of a safer and innovative therapeutic approach is of the utmost importance. Natural products like fig latex, derived from the Ficus carica tree, have demonstrated promising anti-cancer properties when tested on cervical cancer cell lines. However, the specific mechanisms by which fig latex exerts its effects are still unknown. In this study, we conducted RNA-Seq analysis to explore how fig latex may counteract carcinogenesis in HPV-positive cervical cancer cell lines, namely, CaSki (HPV type 16-positive) and HeLa (HPV type 18-positive). Our results from this investigation indicate that fig latex influences the expression of genes associated with the development and progression of cervical cancer, including pathways related to "Nonsense-Mediated Decay (NMD)", "Cell Cycle regulation", "Transcriptional Regulation by TP53", and "Apoptotic Process". This selective impact of fig latex on cancer-related pathways suggests a potential novel therapeutic approach for HPV-related cervical cancer.

Ficus carica Latex Modulates Immunity-Linked Gene Expression in Human Papillomavirus Positive Cervical Cancer Cell Lines: Evidence from RNA Seq Transcriptome Analysis.

Cervical carcinogenesis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, and the role of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) as a possible risk factor in the development of this cancer is well recognized. Despite the availability of multi-therapeutic approaches, there is still major concern regarding the prevention of metastatic dissemination and excessive tissue injuries. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a safer and more efficient treatment modality. Ficus carica, a natural plant, has shown potential therapeutic properties through its fruit latex when applied to HPV-positive cervical cancer cell lines. However, the mechanisms of action of Ficus carica (fig) latex are not well understood. This study aims to provide a deeper insight into the biological activities of fig latex on human cervical cancer cell lines expressing high-risk HPV types 16 and 18. The data obtained from this study reveal that fig latex influences the expression of genes involved in "Class I MHC-mediated antigen presentation" as well as "Antigen processing: Ubiquitination and Proteasome degradation". These genes play a crucial role in host immune surveillance and the resolution of infection. Notably, Western blot analysis corroborated these findings, demonstrating an increase in the expression of MHC class I in HeLa cells after fig latex treatment. Findings from this study suggest that fig latex may enhance T cell responses against oncogenic HPV, which could be beneficial for the clearance of early-stage cancer.