The flavonoid luteolin enhances doxorubicin-induced autophagy in human osteosarcoma U2OS cells

Luteolin (LUT), a flavone, which is universally present as constituent of medicinal plants as well as some vegetables and spices, has been demonstrated display specific anti-carcinogenic effects. However, the mechanisms by which LUT inhibits human osteosarcoma growth remain unknown. The effects of LUT on cell growth in human osteosarcoma U2OS cells were measured by MTT assay and flowcytometry. The effects of LUT on morphological markers of autophagy in U2OS were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy. Autophagic markers, beclin1 and LC3 were detected by western blotting. Here, we found that LUT induced autophagy in U2OS and acted as an enhancer to sensitize doxorubicin (DOX)-mediated autophagy signaling. The combined treatment of LUT and DOX greatly decreases the growth of U2OS, showing synergistic cytotoxicity. Our results indicate that LUT in combination with DOX maybe a novel strategy for the treatment of human osteosarcoma.