摘要
Objective: To identify the proapoptotic effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino (GpM) on human hepatoma cells. Methods: The effects of GpM on the cell apoptosis of human hepatoma cell line Huh-7 was assessed by flow cytomety. The expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Bax and Bad molecules in hepatoma cells treated with GpM was detected by Western blot. Results: After treatment with 20 mg/mL GpM for 24 h, 56% of Huh-7 cells were undergoing apoptosis, while cell death was only observed in 12% of humaa fibroblast cells treated with GpM. Western blot demonstrated that, Bcl-2 was markedly decreased in Huh-7 cells treated with GpM. Whereas, Bax was significantly up-regulated in Huh-7 cells treated with GpM. Conclusion: Treatment of human hepatoma cells with GpM induced apoptosis through the down-regulation of Bcl-2, and up-regulation of Bax.