Preliminary studies on induction of apoptosis by genistein on HepG2 cell line.
Consumption of soy products has been linked to lower the incidence of number of cancers. Genistein, one of the principal soy isoflavones, has been shown to inhibit the growth of a number of tumor cell lines in vitro. In this study, we investigate the effects of genistein on cell growth and apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell by looking for the formation of nuclear apoptotic bodies and DNA ladder formation. Additionally, flow cytometry analysis with propidium iodide staining has been conducted to detect the apoptotic cells. We found inhibition of cell growth and apoptotic nuclei, DNA fragmentation and increased apoptotic cells after treatment with genistein, indicating apoptotic cell deaths. From these results we observed that genistein inhibits the growth of HepG2 cells and induce apoptosis, however, further definitive studies are needed. These results may support the potentially effective chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic of genistein against liver cancer.
Chodon
Dechen
D
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dr. ALM. Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600 113, India. dechenibms@rediffmail.com
Ramamurty
Nalini
N
Sakthisekaran
D
D
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004587:Electrophoresis, Agar Gel; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D019833:Genistein / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D019833:Genistein