Cordyceps Militaris of Antheraea pernyi Inhibits Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis of Hepatoma SMMC-7721 Cells

To evaluate new medical value of the cordyceps militaris of Antheraea pernyi,the human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells were treated with different concentrations of the aqueous extract of A.pernyi cordycep militaris(AEoAPC) for 24,48,and 72 h respectively in vitro.The proliferation and apoptosis of the hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells were examined by an inverted phase contrast microscope,a transmission electron microscope,methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) colorimetric assay,and flow cytometry(FCM).The results showed that addition of AEoAPC into cell culture plates with mass concentrations of 0.1,0.2,0.5,0.8,1.0,2.0,and 5.0 g/L respectively could inhibit proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells significantly and the inhibition was in a time and dose-dependent manner.Treatment with 1.0 g/L AEoAPC for 24,48,and 72 h had an inhibitory rate to hepatoma SMMC-7721 cell growth of 18.9%,46.4%,and 77.2% respectively.After AEoAPC treatment,a large number of cancer cells showed chromatin margination,chromatin condensation,nuclear fragmentation and apoptotic bodies.SMMC-7721 cell apoptotic rate from treatment with 1.0 g/L AEoAPC for 24,48,and 72 h was 7.65%,11.04%,and 23.02% respectively.The degree of apoptosis had positive correlation with AEoAPC treatment duration,and the cell cycle of SMMC-7721 was apparently arrested at G1 phase by AEoAPC treatment for 72 h.Our results suggested that AEoAPC could inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of the hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells,and its antitumor function was related with induction of apoptosis to tumor cells.