Study of Gallic Acid in Inducing Human Hepatoma SMMC-7721 Cells Apoptosis and Its Mechanism

Objective To investigate the inhibition of gallic acid(GA) on growth of human hepatoma SMMC- 7721cells in vitro and to explore its potential mechanism. Methods SMMC- 7721 cells were cultured in vitro. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) assay was used to observe the growth of SMMC- 7721 cells. Apoptosis of the cells was analyzed by Hoechest- 33258 staining. Annexin V- FITC/PI staining was used to quantify the percentages of apoptotic cell in the total cell population. Survivin mRNA expression was investigated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT- PCR). Results The results of MTT assay showed that 6.25~50 μmol·L-1of GA could significantly inhibit the proliferation of SMMC- 7721 cells in dose- dependent manner. Hoechest- 33258 staining results presented obvious apoptotic morphology of SMMC- 7721 cells treated with GA at various concentrations for 48 h. The results of Annexin V- FITC/PI double- staining indicated that the apoptotic rate increased significantly with GA in dose- dependent manner. RT- PCR results showed that the expression of Survivin mRNA declined in GA groups. Conclusion GA can inhibit the growth of human gastric cancer cells and induce cells apoptosis. Its mechanism may be associated with down- regulating survivin mRNA expression.