Carbon monoxide releasing molecule-2 suppresses proliferation, migration, invasion, and promotes apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer Calu-3 cells.

OBJECTIVE: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. The carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CO-RMs) are transition metal carbonyls with the capacity to release carbon monoxide (CO). The aims of our study were to assess the effects and underlying mechanisms of CO-releasing molecules-2 (CORM-2) on proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis in NSCLC cells, and to evaluate its potential application for lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NSCLC cells Calu-3 were treated with CORM-2, negative control and blank control. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed by cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), scratch assay and matrigel invasion chamber experiment, respectively. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Real-time PCR and Western blot were applied to examine the expression of apoptosis-related molecules on mRNA and protein levels. RESULTS: CORM-2 markedly attenuated proliferation, migration and invasion of Calu-3 cells. CORM-2 treatment also significantly reduced the ratio of B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/B cell lymphoma 2 associated X protein (Bax) while increased expression of caspase-3 and cytochrome c. The optimal dose of CORM-2 for Calu-3 cells was 100 µM. CONCLUSIONS: CORM-2 modulates biological functions of NSCLC cells and may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for lung cancer.