Plant-derived protease inhibitors LC-pi (Lavatera cashmeriana) inhibit human lung cancer cell proliferation in vitro.

The objective of this study was to check the anticancer activity of purified protease inhibitors of Lavatera cashmeriana viz LC-pi I, II, III, and IV (Lavatera cashmeriana protease inhibitors) on A549 (lung) cell. It was found that LC-pi I and II significantly inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells with IC₅₀ value of 54 μg/ml and 38 μg/ml, respectively, whereas inhibition by LC-pi III and IV was negligible. LC-pi I and II were further found to inhibit formation of colonies in a dose-dependent manner. Also, both inhibitors were found to induce apoptosis causing chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation, without loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Cell cycle revealed a significant increase of subG₀/G₁ phase cells that are apoptotic cells. We also demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease in migration of A549 cells on cell migration assay by both inhibitors. Taken together, we demonstrate that LC-pi I and II inhibited proliferation through arresting cells before apoptosis, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell migration in human lung cancer cells, but the study warrants further investigation. Our results support the notion that plant protease inhibitors may have the potential to advance as chemopreventive agents.