The active compound of garlic to treat non-small cell lung cancer: in vitro studies

Background : Lung cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies in the Western world. The research goal of this study is to examine the capacity of a novel compound, allylmercapto-S-thiol (AMST), the derivate of Allicin (an organic sulphur compound derived from garlic) to treat the Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) cells. Materials and methods : Human and murine NSCLC cell lines, H1299 and 3LL, respectively, were used in the study. XTT proliferative assay was used to analyze the anti-proliferative property of AMST. In order to detect AMST influence on apoptosis, FACS analysis using Annexin V-FITC/propodium iodide was performed. Cell motility was measured by migration to artificial wound and Transwell assays. Adhesion properties were evaluated by cell attachment to glass and plastic substrates and homotypic aggregation assays. Western blot analysis was used to study the biochemical mechanisms of AMST-induced apoptosis. Results: Our results demonstrate that AMST inhibits significantly in vitro proliferation of two NSCLC cell lines and also induces apoptosis in H1299 cells. It also inhibits lung cancer cell properties consistent with in vitro metastatic phenotype including cell motility, adhesion and aggregation. Western blot analysis demonstrated correlation between AMST-induced apoptosis and inhibition of BCL-2 antiapoptotic protein in NSCLC cells. Conclusions : Our results indicate possible antitumorigenic and antimetastatic properties of novel garlic compound AMST in NSCLC cells and justifies further in vivo studies.