D-limonene induces apoptosis of gastric cancer cells / 中华肿瘤杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the apoptosis effect induced by D-limonene on BGC-823 gastric cancer cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of p53, bc1-2 in BGC-823 cells and qualitative, quantitative index of cell apoptosis were detected with MTT, electron microscopy, flow cytometry and immunohistochemical method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>D-limonene could induce the formation of apoptotic bodies in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The expression of bcl-2 protein decreased and p53 protein increased in BGC-823 cells treated with D-limonene, compared with the control cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>D-limonene exerts its cytotoxic effect on BGC-823 gastric cancer cells by inducing apoptosis.</p>