Aloin promotes A549 cell apoptosis via the reactive oxygen species‑mitogen activated protein kinase signaling pathway and p53 phosphorylation.

Aloin has the potential to be a novel anticancer agent in cancer therapies. However, the detailed anticancer effect of Aloin remains to be fully elucidated. The present study analyzed the p53‑dependent mechanisms in response to Aloin treatment. Using the p53‑proficient A549 cells, an Aloin‑induced apoptotic cell model was established, which was used to evaluate the potential underlying molecular mechanisms. The results demonstrated that 200, 300 and 400 µM Aloin induced intrinsic cell apoptosis, which was further confirmed by disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential, elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ levels, and activation of B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2) homologous antagonist killer, Bcl‑2 X‑associated protein, p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis and phorbol‑12‑myristate‑13‑acetate‑induced protein 1. Aloin‑induced apoptosis was also accompanied by the induction of p53 phosphorylation on Serine (Ser)15, Threonine 18, Ser20 and Ser392; however, there were no significant differences in the expression of p53 and mouse double minute 2 homolog. Aloin‑induced apoptosis was reactive oxygen species (ROS)‑ and c‑Jun/p38‑dependent, as specific inhibitors for ROS, phosphorylated (p)‑c‑Jun and p‑p38 may attenuate Aloin‑induced A549 cell proliferating inhibition. In conclusion, these results suggested that Aloin may induce apoptosis in A549 cells via the ROS‑mitogen activated protein kinase signaling pathway, with p53 phosphorylation. These results implicate Aloin as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of lung cancer.