Euphorbia factor L2 induces apoptosis in A549 cells through the mitochondrial pathway

Euphorbia factor L2, a lathyrane diterpenoid isolated from caper euphorbia seed (the seeds of Euphorbia lathyris L.), has been traditionally applied to treat cancer. This article focuses on the cytotoxic activity of Euphorbia factor L2 against lung carcinoma A549 cells and the mechanism by which apoptosis is induced. We analyzed the cytotoxicity and related mechanism of Euphorbia factor L2 with an MTT assay, an annexin V-FITC/PI test, a colorimetric assay, and immunoblotting. Euphorbia factor L2 showed potent cytotoxicity to A549 cells. Euphorbia factor L2 led to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, a loss of mitochondrial electrochemical potential, release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, suggesting that Euphorbia factor L2 induced apoptosis through a mitochondrial pathway. The cytotoxic activity of Euphorbia factor L2 in A549 cells and the related mechanisms of apoptotic induction provide support for the further investigation of caper euphorbia seeds.