Abstract

Title: Utilizing Kefir Bacteria to Target NF-κB of the Bax Gene to Induce Apoptosis in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells

Kefir is fermented milk that is formulated with grains containing various bacteria and yeasts that coexist. This investigation involves the pro-apoptotic nature of kefir against a HT-29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line. Studies have shown transcription factor NF-κB mediated up-regulation of the Bax pro-apoptotic gene. Kefir bacteria has also been shown to stimulate apoptosis via Bax. The researcher has investigated the mechanism in which kefir bacteria interfere with Bax. The researcher hypothesized that kefir would be most cytotoxic to HT-29 cells, and the cells would contain the highest level of NF-κB. The researcher conducted a neutral red cell cytotoxicity assay and a NF-κB transcription factor assay after 48 hour cell incubation with treatments. A higher cytotoxicity level of kefir in comparison to other treatment groups was observed. The disparity between kefir and other treatments was consistent with NF-κB activity. NF-κB was more prevalent in cells treated with kefir when compared to the control or individual strains. The results suggest NF-κB as a mechanism for cancer cell apoptosis which can assist in the further development of novel methods for cancer drug development and implications regarding kefir as alternative or preventative therapy for colon cancer.