Curcumin induces U251 cell apoptosis via alteration of expression of FAK and activation of caspase

Aim To study the mechanism of curcumin induced U251 cell apoptosis. Methods U251 cells were treated with 20～100μmol·L~ -1 curcumin for 24 h and the growth inhibition rates of U251 cells were measured with MTT method. MTT method was used to measure the caspase inhibitors effect on curcumin too. Cell apoptosis was inspected with flow cytometry (FCM) and observed using electron microscope. The protein levels of FAK in U251 cells were observed by SP immunocytochemistry. The activity of caspase-3 was measured by spectrofluorometry. Results Curcumin inhibited the proliferation of U251 cells,induced apoptosis of U251 cells. At the same time the protein levels of FAK in U251 cells decreased and the activity of caspase-3 increased significantly. The apoptosis of U251 cells was partially reversed by caspase inhibitors. Conclusion Curcumin induced apoptosis via inhibition of expression of FAK and activation of caspase-3.