Diosgenin inhibits hTERT gene expression in the A549 lung cancer cell line

Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin from a therapeutic herb, fenugreek (Trigonellafoenum-graceum
L.), has been recognized to have anticancer properties. Telomerase activity is not detected in typical healthy cells,
while in cancer cell telomerase expression is reactivated, therefore providing a promising cancer therapeutic target.
Materials and Methods: We studied the inhibitory effect of diosgenin on human telomerase reverse transcriptase
gene (hTERT) expression which is critical for telomerase activity. MTT- assays and qRT-PCR analysis were
conducted to assess cytotoxicity and hTERT gene expression inhibition effects, respectively. Results: MTT results
showed that IC50 values for 24, 48 and 72h after treatment were 47, 44 and 43μM, respectively. Culturing cells
with diosgenin treatment caused down-regulation of hTERT expression. Discussion: These results show that
diosgenin inhibits telomerase activity by down-regulation of hTERT gene expression in the A549 lung cancer
cell line