Inhibiting effect of artemisinin on HeLa cell growth

Objective To investigate the inhibiting effect of artemisinin(ART)on HeLa cell growth in vitro. Methods The antiproliferation activities of ART on HeLa cells were evaluated by MTT assay.The morphological changes of ART on HeLa cells were observed under transmission electronmicroscopy.Cell cycle and apoptosis of HeLa cells influenced by ART were assessed by a flow cytometer.The telomerase activity was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results After HeLa cells were treated by ART for 72 h,the cell growth was inhibited in vitro.The inhibiting effect was increased gradually following the increase of ART concentration.The percentage of Hela cells in S phase was decreased,but increased in G_1 phase after treatment with ART.After 72 h treatment,apoptosis was induced on HeLa cells,and hTRT gene of HeLa cell was decreased obviously. Conclusion ART can inhibit the growth of human HeLa cells,induce the apoptosis,and reduce the telomerase activity.