Effects of betulinic acid on apoptosis of human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells

Abstract

Objective: The effects of betulinic acid (BA) on apoptosis of human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells was investigated by using human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells as experimental materials, and the basis for its clinical application was provided. Methods: The human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells were divided into 4 groups,each group was set with 3 replicates.The control group was MGC-803 cells without being added betulinic acid; the other 3 groups of experimental groups were treated with betulinic acid at final concentrations of 10, 20 and 30 μg /ml respectively. Cells were treated with betulinic acid of different concentrations for 48 h. Laser confocal microscope was used to observe morphological changes of MGC-803. The activities of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 were detected by an assay kit. Flow cytometry was applied to determine mitochondrial membrane potential. The mRNA and protein levels of Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and Cyt c were also detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Results: Compared with the control group, the activities of Caspase-3 and caspase-9 were increased(P＜0.01), while the mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased significantly(P＜0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of Caspase-3, caspase-9 and Cyt c were up-regulated significantly(P＜0.01). Conclusion: In the final concentration range of 10 ~ 30 μg/ml, betulinic acid can induce apoptosis of human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells by regulating the expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and Cyt c.