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Updated: Aug 17, 2025

Subculture and Cryopreservation of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Organoids: Pros and Cons for Single Cell Digestion
Published on: July 6, 2022
Alantolactone inhibits oesophageal adenocarcinoma cells through nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-mediated
Jianhua Chen1, Yunxiang Zhang2,3, Rong Huang1
1Institute of Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.
Background:
Oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a highly lethal cancer associated with a rapidly rising incidence and a poor prognosis. Alantolactone, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from inula helenium, has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective activities, and anticancer properties.
Objective:
In the present study, the anticancer effects of alantolactone on the human EAC cells were investigated in vitro and in vivo.
Methods And Findings:
After treated with alantolactone, the cell viability of KYAE-1, KYAE-2, OE19, and OE33 cells reduced significantly compared with that of the control cells. Alantolactone induced apoptosis of the EAC cell lines by inhibiting the protein expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Furthermore, the apoptosis-inducing effect of alantolactone was enhanced by Nrf2 knockdown while reduced by overexpression of Nrf2. Antioxidant α-tocopherol and glutathione can protect EAC cell lines against alantolactone. A xenograft nude mice model showed that alantolactone can inhibit EAC growth in vivo.
Conclusions:
Alantolactone inhibits oesophageal adenocarcinoma cells through Nrf2-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) increment. Alantolactone maybe a potential therapeutical candidate for treating EAC.
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