Tetrandrine induces apoptosis in gallbladder carcinoma in vitro
Objective:
The aims of this study were to observe the apoptosis effects of tetrandrine on human gallbladder carcinoma cell line (SGC-996), and to explore its related mechanism.
Methods:
First, the anti-proliferative activities of tetrandrine on SGC-996 cells were determined by using the MTT assays. Then, cell cycle changes were detected by flow cytometry analysis. The apoptosis of cells was detected by the annexin V/propidium iodide double-staining assay. Detection of mitochondrial membrane potential was used to validate the ability of tetrandrine on inducing apoptosis. Finally, the expressions of the apoptosis-related proteins (caspase-3, PARP, Bcl-2, and Bax) were analyzed by western blot. Statistical analyses were performed using the Studentâs t-test for comparison of the results obtained from cells with or without treatment of tetrandrine.
Results:
The MTT assay revealed a significant inhibition of cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cells treated with tetrandrine were arrested at the S phase, according to the flow cytometric analysis. Tetrandrine produced a dose-dependent increase in the apoptotic cell population compared with control cells. Tetrandrine can also affect mitochondrial function by changing the mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, western blot assay demonstrated that the tetrandrine induced apoptosis in SGC-996 cells by regulating the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax and activating the expression of cleaved caspase-3.
Conclusions:
The results indicate that tetrandrine may be a potential agent for the treatment of gallbladder carcinoma.
Insights
Tetrandrine effectively inhibits human gallbladder carcinoma cell proliferation and induces apoptosis by affecting cell cycle and mitochondrial function. These findings suggest tetrandrine as a potential therapeutic agent for gallbladder cancer.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gallbladder carcinoma is an aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of potential anti-cancer agents is crucial for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the apoptosis-inducing effects of tetrandrine on the human gallbladder carcinoma cell line (SGC-996).
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which tetrandrine exerts its anti-cancer effects.
Main Methods:
- Cell proliferation was assessed using MTT assays.
- Cell cycle distribution was analyzed via flow cytometry.
- Apoptosis was detected using Annexin V/propidium iodide staining and mitochondrial membrane potential assessment.
- Expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins (caspase-3, PARP, Bcl-2, Bax) were determined by Western blot.
Main Results:
- Tetrandrine significantly inhibited SGC-996 cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
- Tetrandrine treatment led to S-phase cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis.
- Tetrandrine modulated mitochondrial membrane potential and altered the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, activating caspase-3 cleavage.
Conclusions:
- Tetrandrine effectively induces apoptosis in human gallbladder carcinoma cells.
- The mechanism involves cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial dysfunction, and regulation of apoptosis-related proteins.
- Tetrandrine shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent for gallbladder carcinoma.
More Related Videos
11:02Induction of Invasive Transitional Cell Bladder Carcinoma in Immune Intact Human MUC1 Transgenic Mice: A Model for Immunotherapy Development
Published on: October 30, 2013
09:03Establishment of Hepatocarcinoma in BALB/c-nu Mice and Investigation of the Therapeutic Effect of the Sanleng Jiashen Formula
Published on: January 26, 2024