Matrine induces apoptosis in gastric carcinoma cells via alteration of Fas/FasL and activation of caspase-3.
OBJECTIVE
Matrine, an alkaloid purified from the chinese herb Sophora flavescens Ait, is well known to possess activities including anti-inflammation, anti-fibrotic and anticancer. In this study, the mechanism of matrine inducing the apoptosis of gastric carcinoma cells was investigated.


METHODS
Proliferation of SGC-7901 cells was examined by MTT assay. Cellular morphology was observed under transmission electron microscope. Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to observe the apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells by staining with annexinV-FITC/PI. The expression levels of Fas/FasL in SGC-7901 cells were monitored by FCM analysis using an indirect immunofluorescence method. Activity of caspase-3 enzyme was measured by spectrofluorometry.


RESULTS
MTT assay showed that matrine inhibited SGC-7901 cells proliferation in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Apoptosis induction was demonstrated by morphological changes under electron microscope and FCM analysis. Fluorescence intensity levels of Fas and FasL were found to be equally up-regulated after matrine treatment, which were both correlated with apoptosis rate. The activity of caspase-3 enzyme increased in matrine groups, positively correlated with apoptosis rate.


CONCLUSIONS
Matrine could inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells in vitro. The apoptosis induction appears to proceed by up-regulating Fas/FasL expression and activating caspase-3 enzyme.
Dai
Zhi-jun
ZJ
Department of Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xiwu Road 157#, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi province, PR China. dzj0911@126.com
Gao
Jie
J
Ji
Zong-zheng
ZZ
Wang
Xi-jing
XJ
Ren
Hong-tao
HT
Liu
Xiao-xu
XX
Wu
Wen-ying
WY
Kang
Hua-feng
HF
Guan
Hai-tao
HT
D000470:Alkaloids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D053148:Caspase 3 / Q000378:metabolism*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D011807:Quinolizines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D019014:fas Receptor / Q000378:metabolism*; D000093842:Matrines
D000470:Alkaloids; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D011807:Quinolizines; D019014:fas Receptor; D053148:Caspase 3; D000093842:Matrines