Echinacoside Induces Mitochondria-Mediated Pyroptosis through Raf/MEK/ERK Signaling in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Background: Various natural compounds are effective in Cancer prevention and treatment with fewer side effects than conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Considering the uncertainty of the antitumor mechanism of Echinacoside (Ech) and the fact that no study on Ech against non-small cell lung Cancer (NSCLC) has been explored previously, this study inquired into the anti-NSCLC effect of Ech and explored its potential mechanisms.

Methods: The IC₅₀ to Ech of the NSCLC cells was calculated based on a series of cell viability assays. Different concentrations of Ech were used to treat the cells; the proliferation activity of the cells was evaluated using EdU staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by JC-1 staining. Levels of cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 were measured by ELISA. GSH and MDA levels were measured by microplate reader. Expression of cytochrome c, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β, c-Myc, c-Fos, and Raf/MEK/ERK pathway proteins was evaluated by western blot. Meanwhile, we used xenograft, immunohistochemical staining, and H&E staining to evaluate the pharmacological effects of Ech in mice in vivo.

Results: ECH inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC cells. Ech increased the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins. Besides, Ech perturbed the mitochondrial membrane potential with the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c, accompanied by increased oxidative stress. Ech inhibited the phosphorylation levels of Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and subsequently reduced c-Myc and c-Fos protein expression. In addition, Ech effectively restrained the growth of tumors in vivo.

Conclusions: Ech inhibited the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling. Impaired mitochondria activated inflammasome, which in turn led to the Pyroptosis of NSCLC cells. These findings can provide some ideas on how to use Pyroptosis to treat NSCLC.