Metabolite-Induced Apoptosis by in A549 Lung Cancer Cells: A Cytotoxic and Gene Expression Study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: (Kenger) is a traditional medicinal plant and exhibits potential anticancer properties. This study investigates the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of its water extract on human lung carcinoma A549 cells.

METHODS

A lung cancer cell line was treated with extract. The metabolic content of the extract that plays key roles in anticancer was detected by high-performance liquid chromatography. Anticancer properties were further detected by a flow cytometer apoptosis assay, and signaling pathways were determined by a PCR array through hub gene expression alteration. Gene enrichment analysis and network pharmacology correlated metabolites and pathways that were involved in anticancer effects.

RESULTS

The metabolite content of was analyzed, and gallic acid, clorogenic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, epicatechin, p-coumaric acid, salicylic acid, apigenin 7 glucoside, and cinnamic acid were detected as key compounds. Lung cancer cell line A549 was treated with the extract at increasing concentrations for 24, 48, and 72 h, and its effects on cell viability were determined by MTT analysis. A statistically significant difference was observed for IC concentrations depending on incubation times. It was also observed that the water extract significantly increased apoptosis in A549 cells in comparison with the control group. extract's effect on lung cancer cell line was measured using the signal pathway PCR array gene set. Gene enrichment analysis of the array expression data confirmed activation of apoptosis-related pathways, particularly the upregulation of BAX and downregulation of HSP90.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that metabolites provide promising selective anticancer drug candidates and potential drug templates to prevent side effects and resistance of current clinical drug treatments.