Detection of DNA Damage in Esophageal Cancer Cell Lines Using Edible Insect Extract

Abstract

This study investigates the genotoxic effects of an insect extract rich in bioactive compounds with potential anticancer properties. An extract of insects was made. In the biology labs at the University of Diyala's College of Education for Pure Science. GC-MS analysis was conducted at the Basra Oil Company laboratories to identify the active compounds in the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria). The genotoxic effects were analyzed in esophageal cancer cell lines, and in comparison, to normal cell lines using the Alkaline Comet Assay method and a green dye. The experiments were done at the Al-Mustansiriya University Iraqi Center for Cancer Research. The findings showed that esophageal cancer cells had DNA damage, which stopped their ability to divide and caused apoptosis. However, normal cells are not harmed by the desert locust insect extract. With flavonoids, phenolic compounds, omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, omega-6 linoleic acid, cholesterol, and glucosamine, the insect extract shows promise for the development of a successful treatment that uses natural insect extracts to eradicate esophageal cancer or any other type of cancer.