Effect of Brucea javanica oil emulsion on proliferation, migration and autophagy of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells and the underlying mechanisms

Abstract

To investigate the effect of Brucea javanica oil emulsion on proliferation, migration and autophagy of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells. Methods: First, A549 cells were divided into a control group and a low, medium or high dose of Brucea javanica oil emulsion groups (0, 2.5, 5.0 or 10.0 mg/mL); then, the cells were divided into a 3-MA+Brucea javanica oil emulsion group and a Brucea javanica oil emulsion group in the presence or absence of 3-methyl adenine (3-MA). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and clone formation assay were used to detect cell proliferation, while the wound scratch and Transwell assay were used to measure cell migration. Cell immunofluorescence and Western blot were used to analyze autophagy. Results: Compared with the control group, the numbers of cell proliferation and colony-formation, the relative cell migration rate and numbers of trans-membrane cells were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in the Brucea javanica oil emulsion groups (all P<0.05). Meanwhile, compared with the control group, the aggregation of microtubule associated protein 1 light chain3 (LC3) green fluorescence and the LC3-II/LC3-I ratios were increased, while p62 level was decreased (all P<0.05) in the high dose group. Compared with the Brucea javanica oil emulsion group (5.0 mg/mL), the cell proliferation, numbers of cell clone formation, cell migration rate and numbers of Transwell transmembrane cells were increased in the 3-MA+Brucea javanica oil emulsion group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Brucea javanica oil emulsion can promote the autophagy of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells and inhibit the cell proliferation and migration.