Study on the induction of apoptosis by theasinesin in human hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective To investigate the mechanism of the anticancer effect of theasinesin. Methods MTT assay, scanning and transmission electronic microscopic technique, DNA gel electrophoresis, flow cytometric analysis with Annexin-V-Fluos staining were performed for theasinesin-induced apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. Results MTT assay showed that theasinesin at 50-800 mg/L significantly inhibited the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line(SMMC-7721) dose-dependently. After SMMC-7721 cells were treated with theasinesin at 400 mg/L for 24 h, SMMC-7721 cells were characterized by formation of apoptotic bodies with transmission electronic microscopy. A typical DNA ladder was detected by agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA extracted from SMMC-7721 cells.Flow cytometric analysis of SMMC-7721 cells by Annexin-V-Fluos and propidium iodide double staining demonstrated that theasinesin-induced apoptosis had dose-effect , but treatment with high dose would induce cell necrosis principally. Conclusion Theasinesin could induce apoptosis in SMMC-7721 cells. The mechanisms for antitumor activity of theasinesin may involve induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. \;