Effects of licoflavone-induced apoptosis on the expression of survivin in SMMC-7721 cells

Objective:To study the apoptosis of SMMC-7721 cells induced by licoflavone(GF9) and its mechanism. Methods:MTT assay was used to observe the effects on growth inhibition induced by GF9 in SMMC-7721 cells. The morphological changes effect of GF9-induced apoptosis was observed with Hoechst 33258 staining and transmission electron microscope. The percentage of apoptotic cells was analyzed by flow cytometry,and the levels of survivin and pro-caspase-3 proteins were detected by Western blot. Results:GF9 inhibited the SMMC-7721 cells growth in a time-and-dose-dependent manner,400 μmol/L GF9 inducing apoptosis in a time-dependent manner. The results of Western blot showed that the expression levels of survivin and pro-caspase-3 were downregulated. Conclusion:The results indicated that GF9 could induce apoptosis of SMMC-7721 cells,and the effect of GF9-induced apoptosis might be related to the downregulation of survivin protein.