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β-Elemene induces apoptosis as well as protective autophagy in human non-small-cell lung cancer A549 cells

Jing Liu1, Xue-Jun Hu, Bo Jin

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.

The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
|December 14, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

β-Elemene, a traditional Chinese medicine, effectively inhibits non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cell viability by inducing apoptosis and autophagy. Combining β-elemene with autophagy inhibitors may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for advanced NSCLC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • β-Elemene is a traditional Chinese medicine with demonstrated anticancer properties.
  • Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a significant global health challenge requiring novel therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antitumour effects of β-elemene on human NSCLC A549 cells.
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, including apoptosis and autophagy induction, and the involvement of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K1 signaling pathway.

Main Methods:

  • Cell viability assessed using MTT assay.
  • Apoptosis measured by flow cytometry.
  • Protein expression analyzed via Western blotting.
  • Autophagy evaluated using fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy.

Main Results:

  • β-Elemene dose-dependently inhibited A549 cell viability, inducing apoptosis.
  • The compound suppressed the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K1 signaling pathway.
  • β-Elemene triggered significant autophagy, evidenced by LC3-II and Atg5-Atg12 accumulation.
  • Autophagy inhibition with chloroquine enhanced β-elemene's antitumour efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • β-Elemene induces apoptosis and protective autophagy in NSCLC A549 cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K1 pathway.
  • Combination therapy of β-elemene with autophagy inhibitors presents a promising strategy for treating advanced NSCLC.

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