Newly Synthesized Imidazoline Compound Regulates Apoptosis and Toll-Like Receptor Signaling in Lung Adenocarcinoma and Normal Epithelial Cells
Abstract
Imidazoline is a heterocyclic compound with biological activity in regulating apoptosis, inflammation, and immune signaling. Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death, emphasizing the need for new therapies. This study examined the effects of imidazoline on apoptosis and Toll-like receptor (TLR) expression in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells and Beas-2B normal bronchial epithelial cells. The chemical structure of the synthesized imidazoline was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy. Cells were treated with imidazoline, and expression of apoptotic markers (BAX, BCL-2) and TLR1-10 genes was analyzed. In A549 cells, imidazoline increased BAX and decreased BCL-2, indicating activation of intrinsic apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Beas-2B cells showed the opposite pattern, suggesting selective toxicity toward cancer cells. Imidazoline also modulated several TLRs in both cell lines, highlighting potential immunoregulatory effects. These findings demonstrate that imidazoline promotes apoptosis and alters immune-related signaling in lung cancer cells without harming normal epithelial cells. This study is the first to report imidazoline’s impact on TLR expression in lung cancer, supporting its potential as a dual anticancer agent targeting both cell death and immune pathways.
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Biochemistry and Cell Biology (Other)
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Yavuz Dodurga
*
0000-0002-4936-5954
Türkiye
Sevda Sağ Bayav
0000-0001-8258-7324
Türkiye
Çağatay Yetim
0009-0008-9138-0622
Türkiye
Begüm Gülce Bizimyer
This is me
0009-0008-0447-4680
Türkiye
Melike Güçlü
This is me
0009-0003-2532-1935
Türkiye
Nevriye Urhan
0009-0006-2015-0454
Türkiye
Buse Eldemir
This is me
0009-0006-6055-0663
Türkiye
Publication Date
September 30, 2026
Submission Date
March 9, 2026
Acceptance Date
June 9, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 15 Number: 3