Background: Cancer is a complex disease that derives from the uncontrolled proliferation of cells. Bone cancer is a type of prevalent cancer that occurs both in young and adults. Bone cancer is most common in the long bones of the pelvis, arms and legs. Statistically, more than 200 cases of osteosarcoma have been reported annually in our country. Classical treatment with chemotherapeutics remains ineffective in the cure of this cancer type. Recent studies have shown that ceramide induces apoptosis at its increased levels in the cells. Thus, many studies have been conducted to cause the accumulation of ceramide molecules in the cell by different ways to induce apoptosis. NOE (Noleoylethanolamine) is a specific inhibitor of ceramidase enzymes that hydrolyze intracellular ceramides and prevent apoptosis. Objective: This study investigates the cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing activities of NOE on human osteosarcoma Saos-2 cells. Methods: Cytotoxic effects were investigated by MTT colorimetric assay. For the detection of morphological and ultrastructural indicators of apoptosis, confocal and TEM techniques were used. Results: Our finding indicated that NOE is effective in the inhibition of the growth of Saos-2 cells. Confocal and TEM findings showed morphological and ultrastructural changes as chromatin condensation, fragmentation of nuclei and mitochondria as well as damaged cytoskeleton and cell shrinkage. Conclusion: The results revealed that NOE exerts its cytotoxicity on Saos-2 cells through changing the ultrastructure and morphology of cells with clear apoptotic sparks.

Purpose: Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers of the digestive system and usually develops when polyps develop into cancer. Factors such as age, genetic predisposition and dietary habits increase the risk of the disease. Therefore, early diagnosis of colon cancer and development of appropriate clinical approaches are of great importance today. Sphingolipids are essential biological molecules that serve as important components of cell membranes and play important roles in various cellular processes. They are involved in various basic biological processes such as cell growth and differentiation, especially apoptosis (programmed cell death) and intracellular signaling. Sphingolipids are divided into different subgroups such as ceramide, sphingomyelin and glycosphingolipid and coordinate the design and activities of cells and play important roles in anticancer processes such as cell cycle arrest and inducing apoptosis. Dysfunction of sphingolipid metabolism plays a critical role in the development and progression of numerous cancers. Altered sphingolipid balance in cancer cells can affect the regulation of processes such as cellular growth, invasion and metastasis. In particular, changes in ceramide levels can activate cell survival pathways and cause cancer to become more aggressive. Method: In order to investigate the potential anticancer effects of ceramide inhibitor, we investigated the effects of D-e MAPP, a ceramidase inhibitor, on HT29 colon cancer cell line. For this purpose, cell viability and morphological changes after treatment were evaluated in detail. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay to determine the cytotoxic effects of treatment. Furthermore, structural and morphological changes in cells were visualized by confocal microscopy and treatment-induced cell death modes were determined by flow cytometry to obtain detailed information on cell death pathways. Findings: These methods aim to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of ceramidase inhibitors on colon cancer cells. Conclusion: This study aims to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of ceramidase inhibitors such as D-e-MAPP on colon cancer cells. By assessing cell viability, morphological changes and cell death pathways, this research provides valuable insights into the potential therapeutic applications of targeting sphingolipid metabolism in colon cancer treatment. Keywords: Colon cancer, sphingolipids, D-e-MAPP

Lung cancer is a cancer type with a high mortality rates in the world. Polyphenols found naturally in plants are known for their antioxidant properties. Polyphenols are studied due to their biological activity and nutritional antioxidant potential. Ellagic acid is a natural compound contained in many plants like strawberry, cranberry, walnut, pomegranate and raspberry. Ellagic acid is known for its antioxidant properties and protects the body from harmful free radicals. In this study, due to its potential to suppress cell growth in many cancer cells, ellagic acid, was used to stimulate cell death in lung cancer cells, A549. Cytotoxic effects of ellagic acid on A549 cells were determined by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) technique. Moreover, ultrastructural and morphological changes were evaluated with TEM and confocal microscopy techniques. Cytotoxicity test results showed that the percentages of viability decreased by an increase in the applied dose and morphological and ultrastructural analyzes showed that the cytotoxicity of this agent caused changes as chromatin condensation, membrane blebbing, loss of cristae that are considered as clear apoptosis signes. Based on our results ellagic acid may be recommended for further research on different types of cancer in order to find an alternative agent for cancer treatment.