The Influence of Matrine on Apoptosis and Expression of Bax and Bcl-2 in Colorectal Cancer Cells

[Purpose] To investigate the effect of Matrine on proliferation inhibition, apoptotic and Bax and Bcl-2 expression in human colorectal cancer cell line Lovo. [Methods] Lovo cells cultured in vitro were interfered with 0.05～1.6mg/ml different concentration of Matrine. The proliferation inhibition effect on Lovo cells was observed by MTT method. Apoptosis induction effect on Lovo cells was detected by DNA ladder, flow cytometer and TUNEL staining. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins correlated with apoptosis were detected by Western Blot assay. [Results] After being exposed to Matrine (0.05～1.6mg/ml) for 24 and 48h, the proliferation of Lovo cells was inhibited in a dosetime dependent manner. DNA ladder, AnnexinⅤ-PI method and TUNEL staining showed Matrine was obviously increased along with Matrine concentration increased. The expression of pro apoptotic protein Bax was increased, while anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was decreased as Matrine doses increased. [Conclusion] Matrine can inhibit proliferation and induction of apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. Increased expression of Bax and decreased expression of Bcl-2 might involve in Matrine-induced apoptosis.