Thymosin alpha-1; a natural peptide inhibits cellular proliferation, cell migration, the level of reactive oxygen species and promotes the activity of antioxidant enzymes in human lung epithelial adenocarcinoma cell line (A549)

This research was conducted to investigate the biochemical effects of thymosin alpha-1 using human lung cancer cells (A549). The A549 cells were treated with different concentrations of Tha1 for 24 h and the growth, inhibition of cells was determined. Tha1 revealed anti-proliferative effect at 24 and 48 mu g/ml after 24 h. Furthermore, it indicated antioxidant properties by significantly enhancing the activity of catalase (12 mu g/ml), superoxide dismutase (6 and 12 mu g/ml), and glutathione peroxidase (3, 6 and 12 mu g/ml) and reducing the production of cellular ROS. Our results showed that Tha1 inhibits the migration of A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner after 24 and 48 h. Moreover, the effect of Tha1 on apoptosis was investigated by Hoechst 33342 staining and cell cycle analysis. Results demonstrated no significant effect on the induction of apoptosis in A549 cells. In conclusion, our results showed the antioxidant properties of Tha1 on A549 cancer cells.