Demethoxycurcumin inhibits the growth of human lung cancer cells by targeting of PI3K/AKT/m-TOR signalling pathway, induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cell migration and invasion

Purpose: To determine the antitumor effect of demethoxycurcumin on lung cancer cells, as well as its effect on PI3K/AKT/m-TOR signalling, cellular apoptosis, cell migration and cell invasion. Methods: Cell viability was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, while AO/EB and annexin V/PI staining assays were used for apoptosis analysis in demethoxycurcumin-treated A-549 lung cancer cells. Transwell chamber assay was used to determine the effect of demethoxycurcumin on migration and invasion of A-549 cells. The expression levels of PI3K/AKT/m-TOR signalling and apoptosis-associated proteins in A-549 cells post- demethoxycurcumin treatment were determined by Western blotting assay. Results: Demethoxycurcumin markedly inhibited the proliferation of A-549 cells in a dose- and time- reliant fashion. The antiproliferative effect of demethoxycurcumin occurred via stimulation of apoptosis. The expression levels of Bax, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 increased significantly, while Bcl-2 was significantly decreased in A-549 cells post-demethoxycurcumin treatment. Demethoxycurcumin substantially inhibited migration and invasion of A-549 cells, and blocked PI3K/AKT/m-TOR signalling pathway in these cells. Conclusion: Demethoxycurcumin induces anticancer effects on A-549 cells via targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. It induces cellular apoptosis and inhibits migration and invasion of A-549 cells. Thus, it is a promising anti-lung cancer agent.