Pueraria lobate Leaf Extract Inhibits the P13K/AKT and MAPK/STAT3/NF-κB Signaling Pathways on Lung Carcinoma Cells

Background

Lung Cancer (LC) is the foremost cause of worldwide cancer-related mortalities, principally, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Pueraria lobata (PL) is a prominent traditional Chinese edible remedial plant that exerts anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activity in many cancer cells. However, its anticancer mechanisms against NSCLC cells remain uncertain.

Objectives

Hence, this anticancer study targeted the apoptotic activity and its cell signalling regulation of PL leaf extract (PL) on A549 cell proliferation.

Materials and Methods

The anti-cancer effect of PL leaf extract (100 and 150 µg/mL) against A549 cells was assessed by the cell proliferation, apoptosis, anti-apoptotic inflammatory mediators, and cell signalling regulatory pathways through MTT, AO/EB, DAPI/Rh-123, RT-PCR, and western blot study.

Results

Our study exposed that PL leaf extract (100 and 150 µg/mL) could reduce A549 cell viability and inflammation by the activation of mitochondrial-mediated cell apoptosis in a concentration-related manner. Likewise, PL leaf extract could diminish anti-apoptotic elements and inflammatory cytokines, as well as suppress P13K/AKT and MAPK/STAT3/NF-κB pathways. PL leaf extract inhibits the p38 and JNK pathways, which further suppresses STAT3 and NF-κB action, triggering cell apoptosis. Furthermore, PL leaf extract could suppress the P13K/AKT pathway.

Conclusion

The above findings propose that PL leaf extract may have a potential for NSCLC therapy.