Investigating Cytotoxic Effects and Molecular Mechanisms of Quinoa Seeds against Human Lung Cancer Cell Line

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer is one of the most common leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, this cancer can be controlled by the potential of alternative treatments. Emerging evidence has reported the anti-tumor activity of quinoa extracts in various types of cancer. Objectives: Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the anti-proliferation and anti-apoptotic activity of quinoa on A549 lung cancer cell line. Methods: Cell viability of A549 cells treated with quinoa was detected using MTT assay. The expression level of BAX and BCL2 as apoptotic-related genes was assessed using real-time PCR. The analysis was performed by GraphPad Prism software version 7. Results: Our findings demonstrated that the cell viability decreases in a concentration and time-dependent manner. The dose of 1.60 and 1.92 mg/ml of quinoa could increase and decrease BAX and BCL2 expression levels in A549, respectively (P<0.05). However, the dose of 1.92 mg/ml was significantly effective compared to 1.60 mg/ml. Conclusion: In conclusion, quinoa can upregulate the gene expressions of BAX as a pro-apoptotic protein, and downregulate BCL2 as an anti-apoptotic protein. Therefore, it can be suggested as a promising candidate against lung cancer due to its ability in inducing apoptosis by altering the BAX/BCL2 ratio. However, further investigations are required to confirm our results.