[Study on functions and mechanism of curcumin in inducing colorectal carcinoma cells LoVo apoptosis].
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the biological function and regulation mechanism of curcumin in promoting human colorectal carcinoma (LoVo) cells apoptosis.


METHODS
Conventional in vitro culture in human colorectal carcinoma cells LoVo, When 80%-90% confluence was reached, cells were treated with curcumin at different concentrations (0-20 mg x L(-1)). Curcumin's effect on cell proliferation level was examined by MTT colorimetry. The ultrastructure of curcumin-treated LoVo cells were observed with transmission electron microscope (TEM). The amount of PI-positive LoVo cells after the curcumin treatment were determined by flow cytometry. The cell apoptosis rate was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. The mRNA level of Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3 and Bcl-xL were tested by means of RT-PCR.


RESULTS
MTT test indicates curcumin could inhibite the growth and proliferation of LoVo cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. TEM examination showed that curcumin can make LoVo cell morphological changes, showing the typical characteristics of apoptotic cells. Flow cytometry instrument analysis showed that curcumin can arrest cell cycle at S phase, and induce apoptosis of LoVo cells. RT-PCR test showed that curcumin can activate the expression of Bax and Caspase-3, inhibit the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL at the mRNA level.


CONCLUSIONS
Curcumin can significantly inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of human colorectal carcinoma cells LoVo. Such biological effect may be associated with activating Caspase-3 signal channel by activating Bax expression and inhibiting Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression. This study lays an important foundation for further discussing the mechanism of curcumin in inducing human colorectal carcinoma LoVo apoptosis.
Department of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Hebei College of Industry and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050091, China. lidaguo815@foxmail.com
Li-Da
LD
Guo
Zhen-Xia
ZX
Jiao
Ying
Y
Song
Wen-Hua
WH
Teng
Zhao
Z
Liu
Jing-Ze
JZ
Liu
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D003474:Curcumin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003474:Curcumin