Cytotoxic Evaluation of Dimethyl Sulfoxide in the U87 Glioblastoma Cell Line

Abstract

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a widely used solvent in anticancer research for dissolving water-insoluble compounds or drugs. However, it may affect experimental outcomes, and limited data are available for glioblastoma models. Herein, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and Hoechst 33342 nuclei staining were carried out to evaluate the effects of DMSO in the U87 human glioblastoma cell line across different concentrations and exposure durations. After 48 h, DMSO concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1.3% reduced cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Further evaluation of U87 cell viability with 0.6% DMSO over 24 to 96 h discovered a time-independent effect. Meanwhile, apoptotic cells were not prominently observed after 48 h of exposure to 0.6% DMSO. In short, DMSO concentrations less than 0.6% may be considered optimal and non-cytotoxic to U87 cells under the present test conditions. This study highlights the importance of carefully selecting solvent concentrations in glioblastoma research to ensure that the observed drug or compound effects are not confounded by solvent-induced cytotoxicity.