Induction of apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cell by low-concentration of ethanol in vitro

Objective To study the mechanism of ethanol in low concentration on proliferation of the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Methods MTT colorimetry was used to evaluate the influence of ethanol on proliferation of cells. Flow cytometry was used to test reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in cells. Agarsoe gel electrophoresis was used to assess the DNA laddering. Results Low concentration of ethanol suppressed proliferation of HCC Cells. ROS generation was obviously increased after the cells incubated in ethanol in 2 hrs. Typical DNA ladder was observed after the cells incubated in ethanol for 24 hrs. Conclusion Low concentration of ethanol can induce the apoptosis of HCC cells by generation of ROS in a dose-dependent manner.