In vitro research of proliferative inhibition of human gastric cancer cell BGC-823 by magnesium cantharidate and the underlying mechanism

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the inhibitory effects of magnesium cantharidate on human gastric cancer cell BGC-823 lines in vitro and the relative mechanisms. Methods Twenty-four h after adding 0.52, 1.04, 2.08, 4.17, and 8.34 μmol/L magnesium cantharidate, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to observe the proliferation of BGC-823 cells; morphological changes of apoptosis were observed using the light microscope and trans mission electron microscope; propidiumiodide (PI) single staining was used to detect the changes of cell cycle, and apoptotic cell percentage was detected by flow cytometry; The expression levels of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and cyclin B1 proteins were tested by Western blotting. Results Magnesium cantharidate had obviously an inhibitory effect on BGC-823 cells in a dose-dependent manner (P=0.000). The inhibitory concentration (IC50) of magnesium cantharidate was 4.868 μmol/L. 24 h after treatment with 4.868 μmol/L magnesium cantharidate, BGC-823 cells represented nuclear abnormity, cleavage and fragmentation, and endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria swelling. Affter treatment with 4.868 μmol/L magnesium cantharidate for 24 h, the apoptosis rate of BGC-823 cells increased (P=0.010) and the cells were significantly blocked in G2/M phase (P=0.009). 24 h after treatment with 2.434, 4.868, 7.302 μmol/L magnesium cantharidate, the expression of CDK1 and Cyclin B1 decreased significantly in BGC-823 cells (P=0.000). Conclusion Magnesium cantharidate can inhibit the proliferation of BGC-823 cells, and significantly block the cells in G2/M phase. Key words: Cantharidin magnesium; Gastric cancer; Inhibitory concentration; Cell cycle; Cyclin