Thymoquinone Upregulates microRNA-199a-3p and Downregulates COX-2 Expression and PGE₂ Production via Deactivation of p38/ERK/JNK-MAPKs and p65/p50-NF-κB Signaling in Human Lung Cancer Cells.

ABSTRACT: Chronic inflammation driven by Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) overexpression plays a key role in lung cancer (LC) progression, making it a critical therapeutic target. This study explores thymoquinone (TQ), a potent bioactive phytochemical derived from Nigella sativa, known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects, focusing on its ability to suppress lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced COX-2 expression via microRNA hsa-miR-199a-3p modulation in LC cells. Using A549 and SHP-77 LC cells, we tested the effect of TQ under LPS stimulation and miRNA inhibition. Advanced techniques like TaqMan qPCR, luciferase reporter gene constructs, and anti-miRNA transfection confirmed that miR-199a-3p directly silences COX-2. Western blot and ELISA assays revealed that TQ dramatically reduces COX-2 protein a

SUBMITTER: Khan YS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12561305 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature