The cytotoxic effect of antidepressants sertraline on human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells

Abstract

It has been reported that antidepressants drugs may have anticancer effects, though the findings on anticancer effects of antidepressant sertraline are controversial. The present study was carried out to determine the cytotoxic effects of sertraline on cervical cancer (HeLa) cells. Hela cells were divided into control group and groups treated with 1.5625, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 μg/ml of sertraline. MTT assay method was used to measure the cytotoxic effects of sertraline on HeLa cells 24 and 48 hours after treatment. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. Treatment with sertraline (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 μg/ml) led to decreased HeLa cells viability compared to control group 24 and 48 hours after treatment. The IC50 value was 16.5 and 4.3 μg/ml for 24, 48 hours after treatment, respectively. Our findings indicated that sertraline has cytotoxic effects on cervical cancer cells in vitro, however, further research are required to elucidate the anticancer effects of sertraline on cervical tumors in vivo.