›› 2011, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (10): 1481-.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2011.10.027

• Brief original article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Pulchinenoside B4 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of human liver cancer cell line HepG2 in vitro

WNAG Hai-xia1, ZHENG Xin-yong2, GAO Jin3   

  1. 1.College of Sciences, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang 233100, China；2.Criminal Investigation Department, Chaohu Public Security Bureau, Chaohu 238000, China；3.School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200240, China
  • Online:2011-10-28 Published:2011-10-27
  • Supported by:

    Foundation of Anhui Science and Technology University, akxk20102-2, ZRC200684；Foundation of Department of Education, Anhui Province, 2006JQ1196

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Abstract:

Objective To screen the potential effective components in Pulsatilla chinensis for treatment for liver cancer, and explore the anti-cancer mechanism. Methods Pulchinenoside was isolated from Pulsatilla chinensis, human liver cancer cell line HepG2 was served as target cell, and the inhibiting effects of pulchinenoside on HepG2 cells were evaluated by MTT assay. Cell cycle arrest was determined by flow cytometry, cell apoptosis was detected by DNA fragmentation method, and Caspase 3 activity was measured. The possible responsible signal pathway for cell apoptosis was explored. Results Pulchinenoside B4 significantly inhibited proliferation of HepG2 cells, and the maximum inhibitory rate was 71.5%. Cell cycle analysis indicated that 83.2% of cells were arrested at G2 phase at most. Flow cytometry revealed that cell apoptosis was dependent of time of incubation with 40 mg/mL pulchinenoside B4, cell apoptosis rate increased from nearly 0 to 14.3% at most with time increase from 0 to 48 h, and DNA fragmentation occurred. Further study indicated that pulchinenoside B4 significantly upregulated Caspase 3 activity in HepG2 cells. Conclusion Pulchinenoside B4 regulates the cell cycle of liver cancer cells, causes cell cycle arrest at G2/M, and induces cell apoptosis, which is a potential chemical for the treatment of liver cancer.

Key words: pulchinenoside B4, liver cancer cell, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, flow cytometer, Caspase 3