Effect of sodium aescinate on cell proliferation and VEGF expression of human glioma cells

Abstract

Objective To study the effect of sodium aescinate on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and cell proliferation in gliomas. Methods In vitro cultured human U251 glioma cells were incubated with 10,20, 30,40 and 50 mg/L sodium aescinate. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTr) assay was used to evaluate cell growth. Cell cycle distribution was evaluated by flow cytometry. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and VEGF proteins was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Compared with the control group, sodium aescinate significantly inhibited the growth and proliferation of U251 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). After treatment with sodium aescinate, the expression of PCNA and VEGF was inhibited significantly in a time-dependent manner (P <0.05). Conclusion Sodium aescinate maybe have an therapitical effect on glinma growth and paratumor edema through down-regulating the VEGF expression and cell proliferation. Key words: Glioma; Sodium aescinate; Cell proliferation; VEGF