Induction of Apoptosis by Curcumin in Human Lung Cancer Cell Line

Objective: To investigate the molecular mechanism of curcumin induced apoptosis in human lung cancer cell.Methods: Cell viability was determined by MTT assay,the apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by flow cytometry,caspase activity was assayed,and cytoplasmic cytochrome C and Akt signaling pathway activity was assayed by Western-blot in lung cancer cells.Results: Twenty μmol/L or more concentrations of curcumin treatment on A549 cells for 48 hours significantly inhibited the cell activity,significantly induced apoptosis;curcumin treatment for 24 hours significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential,cytochrome C secretion increased,caspase-9 and-3 activity was significantly enhanced,while phosphorylation of Akt was significantly decreased.Conclusion: Inhibition of Akt signaling pathway activity and eventually induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis may be an important mechanism of curcumin-induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells.