Experiments in human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines KKU-100 and KKU-452 found dose- and time-dependent effects of cannabidiol, cannabigerol and cannabinol on viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential and Ki67. Proteomics identified shared targets including LARP1 and TFEB. The work generates mechanisms, not patient-treatment evidence, and does not support self-medication with cannabis products.
Key findings
- All three produced dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with lower in-vitro IC50 than cisplatin and values comparable to gefitinib. Low doses induced early and higher doses late apoptosis. At six hours, MMP loss rose 2.5-, 4.9- and 1.7-fold. Ki67-positive ratios fell from 3.16±0.16 to 0.38±0.22, 0.38±0.13 and 0.32±0.23. Proteomics profiled 2,781 proteins and found LARP1, TFEB and BCR downregulated.
Why this matters globally
The study adds molecular targets for compound screening in cholangiocarcinoma, a major Mekong-region cancer. Drug development requires normal-cell selectivity, pharmacokinetics and animal efficacy before clinical testing.
Thai researcher contribution
Researchers from Srinakharinwirot and Kasetsart universities conducted cellular and proteomic work using KKU cholangiocarcinoma lines rooted in Thailand's disease context.
Limitations to consider
Only two cell lines were studied, and in-vitro potency is not therapeutic efficacy. There are no normal-cell, organoid, animal or human outcomes; proteomic changes are associative and experimental concentrations may not be safely achievable in vivo.