Effect of berberine on apoptosis in GLC-82 human lung cancer cells

AIM: To study the effect of berberine, alkaloid, on GLC-82 cell apoptosis. METHODS: GLC-82 cells were cultured with different concentrations of berberine. Proliferation inhibition of berberine on GLC-82 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Morphologic changes of berberine-treated cells were observed by light microscope. Apoptotic cells with condensed or fragmented nuclei were visualized by Hoechst33258 by a fluorescence microscope. Nuclei area and apoptotic rate were measured with the use of QWin. The protein expressions of Caspase-3 and PARP were analyzed by fluorescence immunohistochemical method (SABC-Cy3), fluorescent intensity of Caspase-3 and PARP were measured with the use of QWin. RESULTS: 48 h after berberine treatment, apoptotic cells increased dose-dependently, morphological changes of GLC-82 Cells showed many hallmark features of apoptosis, including nuclei dwindle and chromatin aggregation and fragmented nuclei. Inhibition of GLC-82 cell proliferation was concentration-dependent, the IC_ 50 value for berberine was 19.9 mg·L -1 . 36 h after berberine treatment, the measurement of fluorescent intensity showed 20 mg·L -1 of berberine increased the intensity levels of Caspase-3 and PARP. CONCLUSION: The berberine evoked GLC-82 cell apoptosis is correlation with the up-regulation of Caspase-3. This study indicated that berberine might be a potential Chinese medical component for lung neoplasm.