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Background: Lung adenocarcinoma is the most primary histologic subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Oxypeucedanin methanolate, a member of furanocoumarin, is a naturally occurring compound, which is isolated from Ferulago trifida Boiss, an endemic species in North-West of Iran.
Purpose: We attempt to uncover the capacities of oxypeucedanin methanolate to induce apoptosis and autophagy in NSCLC cells, as well as the underlying mechanism involved in this process.
Methods: The effect of oxypeucedanin methanolate on cell viability was evaluated on A549 cells by MTT assay. Flow cytometry assay was used to detect cellular apoptosis. Expression levels of BAX, caspase-3, BCL2 and LC3 in A549 cells were measured by Real time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (Real time RT-PCR). A549 cells migration were analyzed using a wound‐healing assay.
Results: Oxypeucedanin methanolate inhibited A549 cell proliferation in dose- and time- dependent manner, as evaluated by MTT assay. The total apoptosis rate was (5.46%) for A549 cells not treated with oxypeucedanin methanolate. In contrast, the apoptosis rate was (29.6%) for A549 cells treated with oxypeucedanin methanolate at the concentration of 0.4 mM. Real time RT-PCR revealed that the mRNA expression of BAX, caspase-3 and LC3 were upregulated, while mRNA expression of BCL2 was downregulated. Untreated cell migration increased significantly after 72 hours.
Conclusion: Oxypeucedanin methanolate inhibits proliferation and it could induce apoptosis and autophagy of human non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549. Oxypeucedanin methanolate may be a good candidate for reducing of A549 cells metastasis.