AIM: To evaluate the cytotoxic and proapoptotic effects of C6 ceramide on the C6 rat glioma cell line.

MATERIAL and METHODS: The C6 rat glioma cell line was evaluated. Using a confocal microscope and the appropriate software, the cytotoxic effects of C6 ceramide were identified using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric experiments. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was utilized to examine the ultrastructural changes following treatment with IC50 concentrations of C6 ceramide.

RESULTS: Condensation and fragmentation of nuclei and DNA laddering was observed, indicating apoptotic cell death. C6 ceramide induced apoptosis and effectively caused cytotoxicity in the C6 glioblastoma cells. MTT assay demonstrated >90% cell death after short-term application of C6 ceramide, confirming its apoptosis-triggering effect. Apoptosis was also confirmed via confocal microscopy and TEM.

CONCLUSION: Glioblastoma cells undergo apoptosis when exposed to C6 ceramide, which makes it a potential chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of this aggressive brain cancer.