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

Lung 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.