Stichopus Japonicus Acidic Mucopolysaccharide induces apoptosis in HeLa cell via altering Bax and Bcl-2 expression

Objective To study the effect of SJAMP on apoptosis in HeLa cells and on Bax and Bcl-2 expression. Methods HeLa cells were exposed to various concentrations of SJAMP for 72 h. HeLa cell apoptosis was detected using Hoechst 33258 staining after treatment with SJAMP. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was detected by flow cytometry (FCM). Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression were detected by Western Blotting assay. Results HeLa cell apoptotic morphology changes were found under fluorescence microscopy after treatment with SJAMP. Compared with the control group, various concentrations of SJAMP could reduce mitochondria transmembrane potential in HeLa cells. Bc1-2 expression was decreased, but Bax expression was increased in HeLa cells after treatment with various concentrations of SJAMP. Conclusion SJAMP can induce apoptosis in HeLa cells. The molecular mechanism of apoptosis may be related with alterations of Bax and Bcl-2 expression, which change mitochondria transmembrane potential in HeLa cells, resulting in apoptosis in HeLa cells.