Anticancer Effects of Alpha-lipoic Acid on A172 and U373 Human Glioblastoma Cells

Abstract

The high mortality rate of Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients is partly due to the invasive behavior of the tumor cells. Given the increased resistance to conventional therapies of invasive cells after surgical operations, current treatments are ineffective. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of GBM cell invasion is critical for the development of successful therapeutic approaches. Natural small molecules and metabolites are widely used as chemotherapeutic and adjuvant agents in cancer treatments because they have strong anticancer properties and minimal side effects. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that has been found to reduce the level of ROS and increase GPx activity in cancer patients. In this study, we analyzed the in-vitro cytotoxic potential and apoptotic effect in A172 and U373 cells in the presence of various concentrations (7.8-500 µM) of ALA. We also investigated scratch assay in both cell lines. The ALA inhibited cell viability of A172 and U373 cells at 48h. In addition, Bax mRNA expression was significantly increased in response to ALA for A172 cells. Furthermore, the BCL-2 level was decreased in A172 cells with ALA after 48h. Caspase 3 and 9 mRNA expressions were increased in ALA treated U373 cell line. In summary, we found that ALA inhibits cell growth and causes apoptosis in A172 and U373 glioblastoma cells.