Investigating the potential selective effects of a Kiperin multi-component magnesium supplement on colon cancer and normal cells

Abstract

Abstract Magnesium is vital for numerous cellular processes and has demonstrated therapeutic potential in various physiological and pathological contexts. Colorectal cancer remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. This study evaluates the effects of a multi-component magnesium supplement on human colon fibroblasts (CCD-18Co) and colon cancer cells (HCT-116). CCD-18Co and HCT-116 cells were treated with 2.5 μL dose of the Kiperin multi-component magnesium supplement. Cell viability was assessed via cell counting, and migration was analyzed using wound healing assays. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS). Gene expression levels of VDR and TNFα genes were measured by Real-Time PCR. Magnesium complex supplementation significantly reduced HCT-116 viability ( p  < 0.001) while enhancing CCD-18Co proliferation ( p  < 0.01). Cell migration increased in CCD-18Co cells at 18 h ( p  < 0.05), while HCT-116 migration decreased at 6 h ( p  < 0.05) and increased at 18 h. TOS levels were significantly decreased in both cell lines, indicating reduced oxidative stress. Additionally, magnesium supplementation upregulated VDR expression and downregulated TNFα in CCD-18Co cells. Similarly, in HCT-116 colon cancer cells, VDR expression was significantly increased, whereas TNFα expression showed no statistically significant change. Magnesium supplement may exert selective effects by inhibiting colon cancer cell survival while supporting proliferation and anti-inflammatory signaling in normal colon cells. These findings highlight its potential utility in colon cancer prevention and gut health.