The study of the apoptosis induced by EPA on human colon cancer SW480 cells

Objective To investigate the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA) on the apoptosis of human colon cancer SW480 cells and the mechanisms. Methods Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected, the quantity of cytochrome C was analyzed by Elisa kit, and the expression of cleaved caspase-9 and caspase-3 was detected by Western Blot. Results After treatment with EPA(0μg/mL, 42.1μg/mL, 84.2μg/mL, 168.4μg/mL), the mitochondrial membrane potential(Δψm) of SW480 cells were declined(P<0.05), the values were (99.71±0.04)%, (95.04±0.10)%, (88.65±0.41)% and (73.60±1.20)%(t=5.161, 6.302, 4.601, 5.198, all P<0.05). The quantity of cytochrome C in cytosol was increased significantly compared with no treatment group, and the values were (12.8±1.2)ng/mL, (115.5±3.5)ng/mL, (290.5±5.2)ng/mL and (262.0±12.5)ng/mL in different EPA treatment groups(t=6.345, 6.013, 5.846, 4.613, all P<0.01). The expression of cleaved caspase-9 and caspase-3 were significantly increased. Conclusion EPA inhibits SW480 cells growth and induces apoptosis in a dose dependent manner.This action may be mediated by mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptosis pathway, cytochrome C release, and caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation. Key words: Colon tumor; Twenty carbon five acid; SW480 cells; Cell apoptosis