The most frequent type of cancer diagnosed in both males and females is colorectal cancer (CRC), widely recognized as the most common cause of death worldwide. Globally it is one of the cancers whose incidence is increasing, and the prognosis of cancer patients’ survival is often poor due to the acquisition of invasive and migratory potential of cancer cells which consequently leads to metastasis. Firstly, cancer cells succumb to specific process - epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), acquiring invasive potential allowing them to detach from primary cancer site, therefore, cells are enabled to penetrate in the surrounding stiff extracellular matrix. For this purpose, expression of certain markers that enable this transition is necessary, such as Snail, transcriptional nuclear factor, or cytoskeletal protein Vimentin. Therapy designed to battle cancer from this point of cancer progression involves targeting these kinds of markers. Therefore, we aimed to investigate effects of royal jelly, natural bee product, originated from Serbia, on invasive potential of colorectal cancer cell line HCT-116 and expression of these two invasive EMT markers.

Invasive potential was assessed using modified Transwell method with collagen matrix coating, while immunofluorescent assay was performed to evaluate protein expression of Snail and Vimentin.

Our results showed suppression of invasiveness of these colorectal cancer cells 24 h after treatment with two applied RJ concentrations, when compared to control values. Treatments also lowered expression of targeted markers of invasion and migration, Snail and Vimentin, which obviously resulted in inhibited invasive potential of HCT-116 cells.

Obviously, this natural product was effective in combating progression of colorectal cancer cells, however, enormous examinations yet remain to be completed. We anticipate that these findings will be focus of increasing attention in both scientific and clinical field of research.