[Experimental study on apoptosis induced by aqueous extract of Taxus chinensis in human pulmonary carcinoma cell A549 and its molecular mechanisms].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the apoptosis inducing effects of aqueous extract of Taxus chinensis (AETC) in human lung cancer cell A549 and its molecular mechanisms.


METHODS
Using MTT assay, the inhibition of AETC on the proliferation of A549 cells was detected. The apoptosis was detected by light and electron microscopy, and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The expressions of ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and survivin were analyzed by Western blot.


RESULTS
AETC could inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells. Obvious apoptotic cells could be seen under light and electron microscope in AETC treated A549 cells. AETC's induction on the cell apoptosis was further confirmed by Annexin V-FITC/PI labeled quantitative detection. Western blot assay showed that AETC could decrease the survivin expressions. AETC showed no effects on ERK1/2 or JNK1/2 protein expressions.


CONCLUSIONS
AETC could significantly inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells and induce the apoptosis, which was mainly achieved through regulating the expressions of survivin.
Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou 310006. shuqjhz@yahoo.com.cn
Qi-jin
QJ
Shu
Ping
P
Li
Bin-bin
BB
Wang
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D051034:Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000077022:Survivin; D020946:Taxus
C107489:BIRC5 protein, human; D051034:Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins; D010936:Plant Extracts; D000077022:Survivin; D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases