Natural compound triptolide induces caspase-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis by promoting ROS accumulation in small cell lung cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with limited therapeutic options. Triptolide (TPL), a natural compound derived from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F., exhibits broad antitumor effects. However, its role in SCLC remains unexplored.

Methods

We evaluated the effects of TPL on SCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through in vitro assays, including Cell Counting Kit-8, clonogenic, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, cell cycle, and Transwell assays. To predict the potential antitumor targets of TPL against SCLC, we performed a network pharmacology analysis. Pyroptosis was examined by morphological observation, lactate dehydrogenase release assay, and Western blot analysis. The in vivo role of TPL w

SUBMITTER: Yan Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12661706 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature