20-Hydroxyecdysone Suppresses the Expression of Genes Encoding Enzymes of β-Oxidation of Fatty Acids in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells

20-Hydroxyecdysone (ecdysterone, 20E) is a natural compound that has a number of beneficial pharmacological activities in human, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardio-, neuro-, hepatoprotective, etc. We recently demonstrated 20E-dependent suppression of glycolysis and respiration in cell models of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, using the same cell models, we assessed the effect of 20E on the expression of genes encoding enzymes of fatty-acid metabolism. Gene-expression profiling using a commercial panel revealed a negative effect of 20E on the expression of genes involved in β‑oxidation of fatty acids. We also showed that 20E reduces the amount of carnitine palmitoyltransferase CPT1A, a key component of the carnitine-dependent transport system that limits the intensity of the β-oxidation process, at the protein level. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a negative association between high levels of expression of CPT1A in NSCLC tumors and patient survival. The data obtained confirm the antitumor activity of 20E in NSCLC cells and indicate its inhibitory effect on β-oxidation of fatty acids.