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[Effects of Ganoderma lucidum spores on HepG2 cells proliferation and growth cycle]
Lin Li1, Ting Li, Xiao-Jing Wang
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China. li75lin@126.com
Objective:
To observe the effects of Ganoderma lucidum Spores (GLS) on proliferation and growth cycle in the human hepatoma cell line (HepG2 cells), and study its possible mechanism of activities.
Methods:
The growth inhibition of GLS on HepG2 cells was detected by MTT assay. The DNA contents and the distribution of cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry.
Results:
The results of MTT assays showed that GLS could inhibit the HepG2 cells growth at a dose and time-dependent manner directly; the inhibition rate of GLS (2500 microg/ml) on HepG2 cells after 72 h was a maximum up 51.4%. The results of flow cytometry experiments showed that GLS (3 mg/ml) could reduce the G2 phase of HepG2 cells and a clear apoptosis peak would be observed when GLS was 6 mg/ml.
Conclusion:
GLS has a direct inhibitory effect on tumor cell proliferation and its growth cycle, it can reduce the G2 phase; and high doses of GLS can also make tumor cells apoptosised.
Insights
Ganoderma lucidum Spores (GLS) inhibit human hepatoma (HepG2) cell growth and alter the cell cycle. High doses of GLS also induce apoptosis in these cancer cells.
Area of Science:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma research
- Natural product pharmacology
- Cell biology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health concern.
- Investigating natural compounds for anti-cancer properties is crucial for therapeutic development.
- Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) has traditional medicinal uses, prompting scientific investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-proliferative effects of Ganoderma lucidum Spores (GLS) on the human hepatoma cell line (HepG2).
- To analyze the impact of GLS on the cell cycle progression of HepG2 cells.
- To elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying GLS's activity against liver cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Cell viability was assessed using MTT assays to determine growth inhibition.
- Flow cytometry was employed to analyze DNA content and cell cycle distribution.
- Apoptosis was evaluated through flow cytometry analysis.
Main Results:
- GLS demonstrated a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of HepG2 cell proliferation, with a maximum inhibition rate of 51.4% at 2500 µg/ml after 72 hours.
- GLS treatment (3 mg/ml) led to a reduction in the G2 phase of the cell cycle.
- A significant increase in apoptosis was observed at higher GLS concentrations (6 mg/ml).
Conclusions:
- GLS exhibits a direct inhibitory effect on the proliferation and cell cycle of HepG2 cells.
- GLS can reduce the G2 phase, suggesting cell cycle arrest.
- High concentrations of GLS can induce apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, indicating a potential therapeutic application.