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Apigenin induces apoptosis in human lung cancer H460 cells through caspase- and mitochondria-dependent pathways

Hsu-Feng Lu1, Yu-Jie Chie, Ming-Sung Yang

  • 1Department of Clinical Pathology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Human & Experimental Toxicology
|October 13, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Apigenin induces apoptosis and DNA damage in human lung cancer H460 cells. This study reveals apigenin

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Apigenin, a natural flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, exhibits chemopreventive properties.
  • Previous studies indicate apigenin induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in various cancer cell lines.
  • Limited information exists regarding apigenin's effects on human lung cancer H460 cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vitro effects of apigenin on human lung cancer H460 cells.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying apigenin-induced apoptosis in H460 cells.

Main Methods:

  • H460 cells were treated with varying concentrations and durations of apigenin.
  • Morphological changes, cell viability, DNA damage, and apoptosis were assessed.
  • Protein levels of apoptosis-related factors (Bid, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, AIF, cytochrome c, GRP78, GADD153, procaspase-8) were analyzed.
  • Mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and intracellular calcium (Ca2+) levels were measured.

Main Results:

  • Apigenin treatment resulted in dose-dependent morphological changes, decreased cell viability, and induced DNA damage and apoptosis.
  • Apigenin modulated key apoptosis regulatory proteins, including down-regulation of Bid, Bcl-2, and procaspase-8, and up-regulation of Bax, caspase-3, AIF, and cytochrome c.
  • Apigenin decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased ROS and Ca2+ production in H460 cells.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first systematic in vitro evidence of apigenin's anti-cancer effects on human lung cancer H460 cells.
  • Apigenin induces apoptosis in H460 cells through the modulation of apoptosis regulatory proteins.
  • Apigenin's molecular targets include proteins involved in apoptosis pathways, making it a potential therapeutic agent for lung cancer.

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