Telmisartan Exerts Cytotoxicity in Scirrhous Gastric Cancer Cells by Inducing G0/G1 Cell Cycle Arrest

Background/Aim: This study aimed to assess the effects of telmisartan (TEL), a potential antitumor agent, and its mechanism of action in the regulation of apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle in scirrhous gastric cancer (SGC). Materials and Methods: The effect of TEL on the viability and chromatin condensation of OCUM-2M and OCUM-12 cells was assessed. Protein expression and the cell cycle were analysed using western blotting and flow cytometry, respectively. Results: TEL inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner and increased chromatin condensation and autophagy marker LC3-II levels in OCUM-12 cells. TEL also increased the proportion of cells in the G₀/G₁ phase transition. Conclusion: Apoptosis and autophagy are partially involved in the inhibitory effect of TEL on cell proliferation. Additionally, TEL caused G₀/G₁ cell cycle arrest. Therefore, TEL could be a promising treatment for SGC.