Apoptosis of U251 glioblastoma cell induced by 2 - methoxyestra - diol and the primary mecha-nisms

Objective To explore the effects of 2 - methoxyestradiol (2 - ME) on proliferation and apoptosis of U251 glioblastoma cells in vitro. Methods U251 cells were treated with 2 - ME of dif-ferent concentrations and time in vitro, cell proliferation inhibition was detected by MTr colorimetric as-say; cell cycle arrest and apoptosis rate were measured by flow cytometry (FCM). Results Exposure to 2- ME had a strong antiproliferative effect on human glioblastoma cells and caused an increase in the population of apoptotic cells, detected by flow cytometry in U251 cell lines. A significant number of cells were blocked in the G2/M phases of the cell cycle. Concurrently, the population of cells in the Go/G ,and S phases decreased in U251 cell lines. Conclusions The present study showed that in vitro 2 - Meinhibits the growth of human glioblastoma cells and induces apoptosis. Key words: 2 - methoxyestradiol;  Apoptosis ;  U251 glioblastoma cells