Effect of resveratrol in inducing growth inhibition and apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of resveratrol on growth inhibition and apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721.Methods The dose-and time-effect of resveratrol on the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells were analyzed with MTT assay.The apoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometry with Annexin-V and PI staining,and caspase-3 activity was also measured with colorimetry.Results Exposed to resveratrol(50,100 or 200 μmol·L-1) for 48 h,the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells was inhibited and the apoptosis was accelerated,both in a dose-dependent manner.Exposed to resveratrol(100 μmol·L-1) for 24,48 or 72 h,the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells was inhibited and the apoptosis was accelerated,both in a dose-dependent manner.Treatment with resveratrol(50,100 or 200 μmol·L-1) for 48 h,the caspase-3 activity was significantly elevated in a time-dependent manner.Conclusion Resveratrol can induce significant growth inhibition and apoptosis of SMMC-7721 cells by mechanism related to caspase-3 pathway.