Inhibiting reactive oxygen species-dependent autophagy enhanced baicalein-induced apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

In this study, we found that baicalein induced significant apoptosis in OSCC cells Cal27. In addition to showing apoptosis induction, we also demonstrated baicalein-induced autophagic response in Cal27 cells. Moreover, pharmacologically or genetically blocking autophagy enhanced baicalein-induced apoptosis, indicating the cytoprotective role of autophagy in baicalein-treated Cal27 cells. Importantly, we found that baicalein triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in Cal27 cells. Furthermore,N-acetyl-cysteine, a ROS scavenger, abrogated the effects of baicalein on ROS-dependent autophagy. Therefore, we found that baicalein increased autophagy through the promotion of ROS signaling pathways in OSCC. These data also suggest that a strategy of blocking ROS-dependent autophagy to enhance the activity of baicalein warrants further attention for the treatment of OSCC.
Source: Journal of Natural Medicines - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research