Induction of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by timosaponin A-III.

In this study, the apoptotic effects of TSA-Ⅲ were investigated in HepG2 cells. Treatment with TSA-Ⅲ significantly inhibited cell growth in a concentration- and time-dependent manner by inducing apoptosis in HepG2 cells. This induction was associated with increased fluorescence intensity of Annexin V-FITC, activation of caspases, and altered expression of inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family members. In addition, TSA-III mediated mitochondrial dysfunction with the release of HtrA2/Omi, Smac/Diablo, and cytochrome c. These findings suggest that TSA-III induces mitochondria-mediated and caspase-dependent apoptosis in HepG2 cells by altering expression of the IAP family. Thus, TSA-III could possibly be used to treat other types of cancer with similar pathologic mechanisms.
Source: Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology - Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research