Cyanidin and peonidin inhibit SPCA-1 growth in vitro via inducing Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for the majority (85%) of all lung cancers. Although many therapies are available, 35–50% of patients with stage I or II NSCLC develop recurrence and metastasis. This study was designed to investigate the anti-tumor activity of cyanidin (Cy) and peonidin (Pn) on NSCLC cells (SPCA-1). SPCA-1 cell proliferation, cell cycle and early apoptosis were investigated after treatment with Cy and Pn. The underlying signaling mechanism was also explored by detecting the levels of apoptosis-related proteins using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cy and Pn inhibited the viability of SPCA-1 cells with an IC50 of 141.08 μg/mL and 161.31 μg/mL, respectively. Meanwhile, Cy and Pn induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. Cy and Pn treatment significantly increased the levels of Bax, P53, and Caspase-3, while decreasing that of Bcl-2, thereby inhibiting the growth of SPCA-1 cells. In conclusion, Cy and Pn induced early apoptosis of NSCLC cells through regulation of the levels on Caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, and P53. These results suggest Cy and Pn as potential anticancer drugs for the treatment of lung cancer.