Effect of 2-Methoxyestradiol on Proliferation and Apoptosis of Human Glioblastoma Cell

Objective To explore the effects of 2-methoxyestradiol(2-ME) on proliferation,apoptosis and cell cycle of U87 cells in vitro. Methods U87 cells were treated with 2-ME of different concentrations and time in vitro,morphological changes of apoptotic cells were observed under microscope;cell proliferation inhibition was detected by MTT colorimetric assay;cell cycle arrest and apoptosis rate were measured by flow cytometry(FCM). Results Exposure to 2-ME had a strong antiproliferative effect on human glioblastoma and caused an increase in the population of apoptotic cells,detected by flow cytometry in U87 cell line.A significant number of cells were blocked in the G2/ M phases of the cell cycle.Concurrently,the population of cells in the G0 / G1 and S phases decreased in U87 cell line. Conclusion The present study showed that in vitro 2-ME inhibits the growth of human glioblastoma U87 cell line and induces apoptosis in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner.