The growth inhibition and apoptosis-inducing effects of apigenin on human lung cancer NCI-H1299 cells

Objective To investigate the growth inhibition and apoptosis-inducing effects of apigenin on human lung cancer NCI-H1299 cells.Methods The lung cancer cells NCI-H1299 were incubated with apigenin at various concentrations(10,20,40 and 80 μmol / L).The inhibition of proliferation was assessed by MTT assay;while apoptosis of NCI-H1299 cells was observed in a fluorescence microscope by Hoechst 33258 stain,and quantified by flow cytometry using annexin V-FITC / PI stain.The expressions of apoptosis-related protein Bax and Bcl-2 were analyzed by Western blot.Results There was inhibition effects of proliferation by apigenin in concentration-and time-dependent manners.The NCI-H1299 cells treated with apigenin showed significant morphological changes in different apoptotic phases.The apigenin-induced apoptosis was concentration-dependent.Western blot analysis indicated that apigenin up-regulation of Bax,and down-regulation of Bcl-2 were induced by apigenin.Conclusion Apigenin can inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis of human lung cancer cell line NCI-H1299.The mechanism may involve the up-regulation of Bax protein and down-regulation of Bcl-2 protein.