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Published on: August 23, 2019

Apigenin inhibits hepatoma cell growth through alteration of gene expression patterns

Jing Cai1, Xiang-Li Zhao, An-Wen Liu

  • 1Department of Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.

Phytomedicine : International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology
|September 21, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Apigenin, a plant flavonoid, inhibits hepatoma cell growth by altering gene expression. This study shows apigenin reduces proliferation, induces apoptosis, and arrests the cell cycle, offering potential anti-cancer strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Apigenin is a flavonoid with known anti-tumor properties.
  • The molecular mechanisms of apigenin's anti-cancer effects are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate apigenin's effects on human hepatoma Huh7 cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and tumorigenicity.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying apigenin's anti-cancer activity through gene expression profiling.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro studies on Huh7 cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and colony formation.
  • In vivo studies using xenografts to assess tumorigenicity.
  • Genome-wide expression profiling using cDNA microarrays.
  • Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analyses for gene validation.

Main Results:

  • Apigenin significantly inhibited Huh7 cell proliferation and colony formation in a dose-dependent manner.
  • Apigenin induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis in Huh7 cells.
  • Apigenin treatment significantly retarded xenograft tumor growth in vivo.
  • Gene expression profiling revealed significant up-regulation and down-regulation of numerous genes, including IL-4 receptor, USP18, SLC27A3, and CCR2.

Conclusions:

  • Apigenin exhibits significant inhibitory effects on hepatoma cell growth both in vitro and in vivo.
  • The anti-cancer activity of apigenin is likely mediated by alterations in global gene expression profiles.
  • Apigenin represents a promising therapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma.

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