Sesamol induced apoptotic effect in lung adenocarcinoma cells through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Molecular Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• Sesamol is a natural phenolic lignan derived from sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.) and sesame oil.
• Lung adenocarcinoma is a significant subtype of non-small cell lung cancer.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms of natural compounds for cancer therapy is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anticancer effects of sesamol on human lung adenocarcinoma (SK-LU-1) cells.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which sesamol induces apoptosis.
• To assess the selectivity of sesamol towards cancer cells compared to normal cells.

Main Methods:

• Cell viability assays were performed to determine the IC50 value of sesamol.
• DAPI staining was used to visualize apoptotic bodies.
• Caspase activity assays (caspase 8, 9, and 3/7) were conducted.
• Mitochondrial transmembrane potential was measured.
• Bid protein expression was analyzed.

Main Results:

• Sesamol inhibited SK-LU-1 cell growth with an IC50 of 2.7 mM.
• A selective index of 3 indicated lower toxicity to normal Vero cells.
• Apoptotic bodies were observed in sesamol-treated cells.
• Sesamol upregulated caspase activity and decreased mitochondrial potential, confirming apoptosis induction via extrinsic and intrinsic pathways.
• Decreased Bid expression demonstrated crosstalk between apoptotic pathways.

Conclusions:

• Sesamol exhibits significant anticancer effects against human lung adenocarcinoma cells.
• Apoptosis is the primary mechanism of sesamol-induced cell death.
• Sesamol triggers apoptosis through coordinated activation of both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways.
• Sesamol demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for lung adenocarcinoma due to its efficacy and selectivity.