Flubendazole Inhibits the Proliferation of A549 and H460 Cells and Promotes Autophagy

Abstract

Background and objective Flubendazole is an anthelmintic and categorized in benzimidazole. Previous evidence indicates its suppression on proliferation of colon cancer and breast cancer cells. Our study aims to explore the effects of flubendazole on non-small cell lung cancer A549 and H460 cell lines and the underlying mechanism. Methods CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effect of flubendazole at different concentrations on viability of both cell lines A549 and H460. We used western blot to detect the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins p62 and LC3 after flubendazole treatment. Cells were transfected with tandem fluorescent adenovirus (mRFP-GFP-LC3), and the impact of flubendazole treatment on autophagic flux were analyzed. Results Cell viability analysis showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on proliferation of both A549 and H460, comparing to cells without flubendazole treating (P<0.001). Level of p62 decreased and LC3 II/I ratio increased in cells treated with 2 μmol/L flubendazole for 24 h and 48 h, compared to control groups (P<0.005). Red fluorescence signals increased in mRFP-GFP-LC3 transfected cells after flubendazole treating, suggesting an elevation in autophagic flux. Conclusion Flubendazole may inhibit the proliferation of A549 and H460 cells and promote autophagy.

Keywords

• flubendazole
• lung neoplasms
• autophagy