Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Analysis of Combinatorial miRNA Treatments to Regulate Cell Cycle and Angiogenesis
Published on: March 30, 2019
[D-limonene induces apoptosis of gastric cancer cells]
Xiao-guang Lu1, Bing-an Feng, Li-bin Zhan
1Department of General Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116001, China.
Objective:
To investigate the apoptosis effect induced by D-limonene on BGC-823 gastric cancer cells.
Methods:
The expression of p53, bc1-2 in BGC-823 cells and qualitative, quantitative index of cell apoptosis were detected with MTT, electron microscopy, flow cytometry and immunohistochemical method.
Results:
D-limonene could induce the formation of apoptotic bodies in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The expression of bcl-2 protein decreased and p53 protein increased in BGC-823 cells treated with D-limonene, compared with the control cells.
Conclusion:
D-limonene exerts its cytotoxic effect on BGC-823 gastric cancer cells by inducing apoptosis.
Insights
D-limonene induces apoptosis in BGC-823 gastric cancer cells. This natural compound triggers cell death by increasing p53 and decreasing bcl-2 protein expression, offering potential therapeutic insights.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Gastric cancer remains a significant global health challenge.
- D-limonene, a natural cyclic monoterpene, is found in citrus oils and exhibits potential anti-cancer properties.
- Understanding the mechanisms of D-limonene's action is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the apoptosis-inducing effects of D-limonene on BGC-823 human gastric cancer cells.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying D-limonene-induced cell death.
- To assess the impact of D-limonene on key apoptosis-related proteins.
Main Methods:
- Cell viability was assessed using MTT assays.
- Apoptosis was quantified using flow cytometry and electron microscopy.
- Expression levels of p53 and bcl-2 proteins were determined via immunohistochemical methods.
Main Results:
- D-limonene treatment led to the formation of apoptotic bodies in BGC-823 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
- Significant alterations in apoptosis markers were observed, including increased p53 protein expression.
- A notable decrease in bcl-2 protein expression was detected in D-limonene-treated cells compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- D-limonene effectively induces apoptosis in BGC-823 gastric cancer cells.
- The cytotoxic effect is mediated through the modulation of p53 and bcl-2 protein expression.
- D-limonene demonstrates potential as a chemotherapeutic agent for gastric cancer.
