Sensitization of Human Ovarian Cancer CoC1 Cells to TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand(TRAIL)-Induced Apoptosis by Apigenin

Objective To investigate whether apigenin(API)enhance the apoptosis induced by TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand(TRAIL)via inhibiting activities of NF-κB in human ovarian cancer CoC1 cell line.Methods Human ovarian cancer CoC1 cells were cultured in vitro.Apoptotic rate was determined by flow cytometry using PI fluorescence staining.The characteristic features of cell apoptosis was examined using DNA agarose gel electrophoresis.The expressions of protein were analyzed by Western blot.Results Flow cytometry analysis with PI stainning indicated that apoptotic rates in human ovarian cancer CoC1 cells by API(20 μmol/L)or TRAIL(20 ng/mL)or both for 48 h were 8.83%±2.33%,8.32%±2.80% and 69.50%±4.65%,respectively.The ladder band could be shown in DNA agarose gel electrophoresis by pretreated with API(20 μmol/L)for 4 h then with TRAIL(20 ng/mL)for 44 h.Western blot analysis indicated that API inhibited expression of NF-κB(p65)protein and reduced the phosphorylated level of IκBα protein in CoC1 cells,in a time-dependent manner.Conclusion API at subtoxic concentration potentiates the induction of apoptosis by TRAIL,and is associated with inhibiting activities of NF-κB in human ovarian cancer CoC1 cell line.