Thymoquinone induces apoptosis and protective autophagy in gastric cancer cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

• DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7820
• Publication Date: 2023-06-08T12:49:40Z
• Authors: Pengzhan He; Yang He; Jingjing Ma; Yinghui Liu; Chuan Liu; Yu Baoping; Weiguo Dong
• Keywords: Thymoquinone

Abstract Gastric cancer (GC) is often diagnosed in the advanced stages with a poor prognosis. Thymoquinone (TQ) known for its antitumor activity; however, specific mechanism GC remains unknown. In our study, TQ inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis autophagy concentration‐dependent manner. Transmission electron microscopy showed increased autophagosome formation cells treated TQ. Meanwhile, LC3B puncta LC3BII protein levels were significantly cells, while p62 expression was decreased. The inhibitor, Bafilomycin A1 enhanced TQ‐inhibited TQ‐induced apoptosis, suggesting that has protective effect on cells. Furthermore, decreased phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3 kinase (PI3K), B (Akt), mechanistic target rapamycin (mTOR). PI3K agonist partially rescued apoptosis. Finally, vivo experiments could inhibit tumor growth promote autophagy. This study provides new insights into anti‐GC inhibits induces by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. results suggest combination inhibitors might be potential chemotherapeutic strategy GC.