Effects of Genistein on apoptosis of human glioma cell line U251MG

Purpose To explore the effects of Genistein on the apoptosis of human glioma cell line U251MG and possible involved mechanism.Methods Cell apoptosis was examined by PI and Annexin V-FITC double staining with flow cytometry.The expression of Bcl-2 and bax proteins was examined with flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry.Results After treated with Genistein 25 μg/ml and 50 μg/ml for 48 h,the percentage of the apoptotic cells increased in a dose-dependent manner(P0.01).Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly decreased and bax protein expression significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner as compared with control group(P0.01).Conclusions Genistein can induce apoptosis of U251MG cells,and the mechanism may be associated with the upregulation of bax protein expression,and the downregulation of Bcl-2 proteins expression.