Therapeutic Potential of 3-Hydroxyflavone: Inducing Apoptosis and Modulating Inflammation in Lung Cancer A549 Cells

Lung cancer is a primary cause of cancer deaths globally. Flavonoids have anticancer qualities, although flavonol or 3-hydroxyflavone (3HF)’s effects on lung cancer are unknown. 3HF’s effects on cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and gene expression in human lung cancer A549 cells are examined to determine its anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. A549 cells were treated with 3HF (25-250 μg/mL) and cytotoxicity was measured using MTT test. Phase-contrast microscopy examined morphological changes. Cell movement was measured by the scratch wound healing technique, and apoptotic cells were detected by AO/EtBr staining. Gene expression analysis for apoptotic and inflammatory markers was done with real-time PCR. Treatment with 3HF dramatically reduced cell viability, dose-dependently, with an IC5 0 value of 135 μg/mL. Apoptosis was shown by cell shrinkage and membrane blebbing. We also found considerable cell migration inhibition. AO/EtBr staining indicated increased apoptosis, whereas PCR analysis showed Bax and caspase-3 overexpression and Bcl-2, TNF-α, and NF-κB downregulation. This suggests 3HF is a promising lung cancer treatment.