Oxymatrine induces human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells apoptosis via regulating expression of Bcl-2 and IAP families, and releasing of cytochrome c
2011

Oxymatrine and its effects on pancreatic cancer cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ling Qi, Xu Xiao, Wei Xuyong, Wang Weibing, Zhou Bin, Wang Bei, Zheng Shusen

Primary Institution: First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine

Hypothesis

The study investigates the anti-cancer effect of oxymatrine on human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells and its possible molecular mechanism.

Conclusion

Oxymatrine can induce apoptotic cell death of human pancreatic cancer cells by regulating Bcl-2 and IAP families, releasing cytochrome c, and activating caspase-3.

Supporting Evidence

  • Oxymatrine inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis of PANC-1 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner.
  • The expression of Livin and Survivin genes was down-regulated while the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was upregulated.
  • Oxymatrine treatment led to the release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase-3 proteins.

Takeaway

Oxymatrine, a substance from a traditional Chinese herb, can help kill pancreatic cancer cells by making them die in a controlled way.

Methodology

The study used MTT assay, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and Western blotting to assess the effects of oxymatrine on cell viability and apoptosis.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1756-9966-30-66

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