Cold Atmospheric Plasma Inhibits the Proliferation of CAL-62 Cells through the ROS-Mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway

This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on anaplastic thyroid cancer cells (CAL-62 cells) and to reveal the molecular mechanism. The effects of CAP on CAL-62 cells were evaluated by cell viability, superoxide dismutase activity, apoptosis, cell cycle, and protein expression level, and the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by plasma was also investigated. The results showed that CAP dose-dependently inhibited cell viability and promotes cell apoptosis and G2/M arrest by increasing cell ROS levels. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was enhanced by CAP which indicated that the antioxidant system of the cell was activated. Additionally, the ROS produced by CAP can inhibit CAL-62 cell proliferation by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Therefore, these findings will provide useful support for the application of CAP for treating anaplastic thyroid cancer.