[Experimental study on apoptosis induced by aqueous extract of Taxus chinensis in human pulmonary carcinoma cell A549 and its molecular mechanisms].

ABSTRACT

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. CONCLUSION: AETC could significantly inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells and induce the apoptosis, which was mainly achieved through regulating the expressions of survivin.