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Updated: Aug 25, 2026
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Published on: July 20, 2014
Resveratrol induces apoptosis in human esophageal carcinoma cells
Hai-Bo Zhou1, Yun Yan, Ya-Ni Sun
1Department Of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan 250052, Shandong Province, China. zhouhbyy@fm365.com.cn
Aim:
To investigate the apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells induced by resveratrol, and the relation between this apoptosis and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax.
Methods:
In in vitro experiments, MTT assay was used to determine the cell growth inhibitory rate. Transmission electron microscope and TUNEL staining method were used to quantitatively and qualitively detect the apoptosis status of esophageal cancer cell line EC-9706 before and after the resveratrol treatment. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of apoptosis-regulated gene Bcl-2 and Bax.
Results:
Resveratrol inhibited the growth of esophageal cancer cell line EC-9706 in a dose-and time-dependent manner. Resveratrol induced EC-9706 cells to undergo apoptosis with typically apoptotic characteristics, including morphological changes of chromatin condensation, chromatin crescent formation, nucleus fragmentation and apoptotic body formation. TUNEL assay showed that after the treatment of EC-9706 cells with resveratrol (10 mmol/L) for 24 to 96 hours, the AIs were apparently increased with treated time (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that after the treatment of EC-9706 cells with resveratrol (10 mmol/L) for 24 to 96 hours, the PRs of Bcl-2 proteins were apparently reduced with treated time (P<0.05) and the PRs of Bax proteins were apparently increased with treated time (P<0.05).
Conclusion:
Resveratrol is able to induce the apoptosis in esophageal cancer. This apoptosis may be mediated by down-regulating the apoptosis-regulated gene Bcl-2 and up-regulating the expression of apoptosis-regulated gene bax.
Insights
Resveratrol induces apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells by altering Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression. This natural compound shows potential for cancer treatment by promoting programmed cell death.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Esophageal cancer is a significant global health concern.
- Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, has demonstrated anti-cancer properties in various studies.
- Understanding the mechanisms of resveratrol's action is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the apoptosis-inducing effects of resveratrol on esophageal cancer cells.
- To explore the relationship between resveratrol-induced apoptosis and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study using the EC-9706 esophageal cancer cell line.
- MTT assay for cell growth inhibition assessment.
- Transmission electron microscopy and TUNEL staining for apoptosis detection.
- Immunohistochemical staining for Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression analysis.
Main Results:
- Resveratrol inhibited esophageal cancer cell growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
- Resveratrol treatment led to characteristic apoptotic morphological changes in EC-9706 cells.
- Increased apoptosis rates (AI) and altered Bcl-2/Bax expression (reduced Bcl-2, increased Bax) were observed with increasing resveratrol treatment duration.
Conclusions:
- Resveratrol effectively induces apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells.
- The observed apoptosis is likely mediated by the down-regulation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of Bax gene expression.
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