1‐Monopalmitin promotes lung cancer cells apoptosis through PI3K/Akt pathway in vitro

Abstract

AbstractLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide and non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents 85%. Mougeotia nummuloides and Spirulina major have been reported to possess anticancer properties. 1‐Monopalmitin (1‐Mono) is the principle active constituent in these natural plants. It is debating whether 1‐Mono exerts antitumor effects. Therefore, we explored the role of 1‐Mono in lung cancer in vitro. Results showed that 1‐Mono significantly inhibited A549 and SPC‐A1 cell proliferation, induced G2/M arrest and caspase‐dependent apoptosis. Moreover, it suppressed the protein expression of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs). It was further demonstrated that 1‐Mono activated the PI3K/Akt pathway, suppression of PI3K/Akt activities with LY294002 and Wortmannin partially attenuated 1‐Mono‐mediated anticancer activities, indicating that 1‐Mono‐induced antitumor effects is dependent on PI3K/Akt pathway. 1‐Mono induced cytoprotective autophagy since autophagy inhibitor Chloroquine dramatically enhanced 1‐Mono‐induced cytotoxicity. In summary, our results showed 1‐Mono kills lung cancer through PI3K/Akt pathway, providing novel options for lung cancer administration.