Effects of sinomenine on proliferation and apoptosis in human lung cancer cell line NCI-H460 in vitro.

Sinomenine (SIN) is an herbal ingredient isolated from Sinomenium acutum Rehd. et Wils. We evaluated the effects of SIN on the growth and apoptosis of human lung cancer NCI-H460 cells. SIN inhibited the proliferation of the cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Apoptosis was confirmed by flow cytometry, the TUNEL assay and transmission electron microscopy. SIN-induced apoptosis was accompanied by the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, the release of cytochrome C and the activation of caspase-9 and -3. SIN also increased Bax and decreased Bcl-2 protein levels in the NCI-H460 cells. Data analysis suggested that SIN exerted a significant apoptotic effect on NCI-H460 cells through the mitochondrial pathway. SIN is therefore a promising chemopreventive candidate for lung carcinoma.