Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Analysis of Combinatorial miRNA Treatments to Regulate Cell Cycle and Angiogenesis
11:44

Analysis of Combinatorial miRNA Treatments to Regulate Cell Cycle and Angiogenesis

Published on: March 30, 2019

6.8K

Potent proapoptotic actions of dihydroartemisinin in gemcitabine-resistant A549 cells

Chubiao Zhao1, Guiqi Qin1, Weijie Gao1

  • 1MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.

Cellular Signalling
|July 15, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) triggers apoptosis more effectively in gemcitabine-resistant lung cancer cells by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS). This pathway involves Bax and caspases, offering a potential therapeutic strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Gemcitabine-resistant A549 cells exhibit altered redox status, including higher basal reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular iron.
  • Previous studies identified ROS-mediated caspase-8- and Bax-dependent apoptosis in A549 cells treated with dihydroartemisinin (DHA).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the proapoptotic mechanisms of DHA in gemcitabine-resistant A549 (A549GR) cells.
  • To compare the effects of DHA on ROS generation and apoptosis induction in A549GR versus gemcitabine-sensitive A549 cells.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of ROS generation, intracellular Fe(2+), and antioxidant capacity in A549 and A549GR cells.
  • Assessment of DHA-induced apoptosis markers, including Bax activation, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) loss, and caspase activation.
  • Evaluation of the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and the impact of Bax silencing or caspase inhibition on DHA-induced apoptosis.

Main Results:

  • DHA induced rapid and potent ROS generation in A549GR cells, exceeding that in A549 cells.
  • A549GR cells showed enhanced DHA-induced Bax activation, ΔΨm loss, caspase activation, and apoptosis compared to A549 cells.
  • NAC pretreatment, Bax silencing, or caspase inhibition significantly attenuated DHA-induced apoptosis, confirming the roles of ROS, Bax, and caspases.

Conclusions:

  • DHA exhibits preferential and potent proapoptotic effects in gemcitabine-resistant A549 cells over sensitive cells.
  • The proapoptotic action of DHA in A549GR cells is mediated by a ROS-dependent pathway involving Bax and caspases.
  • DHA represents a promising therapeutic agent for overcoming gemcitabine resistance in lung cancer.
Keywords:
A549 cellsApoptosisBaxDihydroartemisininGemcitabineROS

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Exploring Salidroside's Molecular Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Treatment11:13

Author Spotlight: Exploring Salidroside's Molecular Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Treatment

Published on: June 9, 2023

2.3K
Enhancement of Apoptotic and Autophagic Induction by a Novel Synthetic C-1 Analogue of 7-deoxypancratistatin in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma and Neuroblastoma Cells with Tamoxifen19:44

Enhancement of Apoptotic and Autophagic Induction by a Novel Synthetic C-1 Analogue of 7-deoxypancratistatin in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma and Neuroblastoma Cells with Tamoxifen

Published on: May 30, 2012

18.2K

Related Concept Videos

Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
2.6K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
7.0K