Antrodin C, an NADPH Dependent Metabolism, Encourages Crosstalk Between Autophagy and Apoptosis in Lung Carcinoma Cells by Use of an AMPK Inhibition-Independent Blockade of the Akt/mTOR Pathway

Summary

This research investigated how a compound called Antrodin C, derived from a medicinal mushroom, could potentially treat lung cancer. The study found that this natural compound can kill lung cancer cells while causing minimal harm to normal cells. It works through multiple mechanisms including triggering cell death and blocking cancer cell growth and spread. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides a potential new treatment option for lung cancer patients that may have fewer side effects than current chemotherapy – Demonstrates the ongoing value of natural medicines and traditional remedies in modern healthcare – Advances our understanding of how cancer cells survive and resist treatment – Could lead to more effective combination therapies for cancer treatment – Highlights the importance of preserving natural resources that may contain valuable medicinal compounds

Background

Lung cancer has one of the highest mortality rates among cancers globally, with non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) accounting for about 80% of cases. Current chemotherapy treatments often fail due to multi-drug resistance and adverse side effects. Natural bioactive compounds from medicinal mushrooms show promise as alternative treatments due to their anticancer effects and low toxicity.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the potential anti-lung carcinoma activity of Antrodin C (ADC) and elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which it affects non-small-cell lung cancer cells. The research also sought to evaluate the metabolic stability of ADC in vitro.

Results

ADC significantly inhibited SPCA-1 cell viability with an IC50 of 120.14 μM while showing low toxicity to normal cells. It induced apoptosis through ROS generation and arrested the cell cycle at G2/M phase via P53 signaling. ADC activated protective autophagy through blocking the Akt/mTOR pathway independent of AMPK inhibition. Combining ADC with autophagy inhibitors increased cell death. Metabolic stability testing showed ADC was highly metabolized in rat liver microsomes and moderately metabolized in human liver microsomes.

Conclusion

ADC demonstrates potential as an anti-lung cancer compound by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest while activating protective autophagy through the Akt/mTOR pathway. The combination of ADC with autophagy inhibitors enhances its anticancer effects. The compound’s metabolic profile suggests the need for further optimization before clinical development.
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