mRNA Levels Of Caspase-9 Research Articles

Effect of reactive oxygen species in cadmium chloride induced apoptosis of mouse Leydig cells

To study the effect of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in cadmium chloride-induced apoptosis of mouse Leydig cells(TM3 cells) and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.TM3 cells were used as an in vitro model for studying reproductive toxicity induced by cadmium exposure. The cells were treated with different concentrations of CdCl_2(0, 5 and 10 μmol/L) for 24 h. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effect of CdCl_2 on TM3 cell activity. Hoechst33342 staining was performed to explore the formation of apoptotic bodies. DCFH-DA probe was used to detect the level of ROS in the cells. TM3 cells were pretreated with 1 mmol/L NAC for 1 h and then treated with 10 μmol/L CdCl_2 for 24 h. The protein expression levels of pro-apoptotic proteins Caspase-9 and cleaved Caspase-3 were detected by Western blot; RT-qPCR was used to measure the expression of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 and pro-apoptotic genes Caspase-9 and Caspase-3.After exposure to CdCl_2 for 24 h, viability of TM3 cells decreased and the number of apoptotic bodies increased. Western blot result showed that the protein level of Caspase-9 in the 10 μmol/L CdCl_2 treatment group was increased to 0.86±0.10(P<0.05) compared with the control group(0.56±0.07). Compared with the control group(0.37±0.11), the protein level of cleaved Caspase-3 in the 5 and 10 μmol/L CdCl_2 treatment groups were increased to 0.65±0.03 and 1.05±0.13(P<0.05). Compared with the control group(46.80±1.24), the intracellular ROS content in the 5 and 10 μmol/L treatment groups increased to 60.47±1.39 and 80.63±1.34(P<0.05). Compared with the cadmium-treated group, NAC inhibited Caspase-9(CdCl_2 group: 0.89±0.07; CdCl_2+NAC group: 0.28±0.02)and cleaved Caspase-3(CdCl_2 group: 1.53±0.21; CdCl_2+NAC group: 0.66 ±0.07), the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). At the same time, NAC decreased the ROS level(62.64±0.93) in the CdCl_2 exposure group(80.13±0.94)(P<0.05). In addition, RT-qPCR result showed that the Caspase-9 mRNA levels in the 5 and 10 μmol/L CdCl_2 treatment groups were 1.40±0.14 and 1.90±0.12(P<0.05), compared with the control group(0.97±0.10). Compared with the control group(0.88±0.08), the cleaved Caspase-3 mRNA levels in the 5 and 10 μmol/L CdCl_2 treatment groups were increased to 1.42±0.11 and 1.59±0.12(P<0.05). While in the 5 and 10 μmol/L CdCl_2-treated group, compared with the control group(0.94±0.02), the Bcl-2 mRNA level were decreased to 0.60±0.02 and 0.50±0.09(P<0.05). Compared with the cadmium treatment group(0.57±0.06), NAC could significantly improve the cadmium-induced Bcl-2 mRNA expression level(0.92±0.03), and Caspase-9(CdCl_2 group: 1.96±0.07; CdCl_2+NAC group: 1.04±0.02) and Caspase-3(CdCl_2 group: 1.65±0.02; CdCl_2+NAC group: 0.66±0.04) were decreased(P<0.05).The Caspase cascade in mouse Leydig cells can be activated by excessive ROS induced by CdCl_2, and inhibition of ROS production can significantly reduce the CdCl_2-induced apoptosis of TM3 cells.

Effect of reactive oxygen species in cadmium chloride induced apoptosis of mouse Leydig cells

To study the effect of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in cadmium chloride-induced apoptosis of mouse Leydig cells(TM3 cells) and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. TM3 cells were used as an in vitro model for studying reproductive toxicity induced by cadmium exposure. The cells were treated with different concentrations of CdCl_2(0, 5 and 10 μmol/L) for 24 h. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effect of CdCl_2 on TM3 cell activity. Hoechst33342 staining was performed to explore the formation of apoptotic bodies. DCFH-DA probe was used to detect the level of ROS in the cells. TM3 cells were pretreated with 1 mmol/L NAC for 1 h and then treated with 10 μmol/L CdCl_2 for 24 h. The protein expression levels of pro-apoptotic proteins Caspase-9 and cleaved Caspase-3 were detected by Western blot; RT-qPCR was used to measure the expression of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 and pro-apoptotic genes Caspase-9 and Caspase-3. After exposure to CdCl_2 for 24 h, viability of TM3 cells decreased and the number of apoptotic bodies increased. Western blot result showed that the protein level of Caspase-9 in the 10 μmol/L CdCl_2 treatment group was increased to 0.86±0.10(P<0.05) compared with the control group(0.56±0.07). Compared with the control group(0.37±0.11), the protein level of cleaved Caspase-3 in the 5 and 10 μmol/L CdCl_2 treatment groups were increased to 0.65±0.03 and 1.05±0.13(P<0.05). Compared with the control group(46.80±1.24), the intracellular ROS content in the 5 and 10 μmol/L treatment groups increased to 60.47±1.39 and 80.63±1.34(P<0.05). Compared with the cadmium-treated group, NAC inhibited Caspase-9(CdCl_2 group: 0.89±0.07; CdCl_2+NAC group: 0.28±0.02)and cleaved Caspase-3(CdCl_2 group: 1.53±0.21; CdCl_2+NAC group: 0.66 ±0.07), the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). At the same time, NAC decreased the ROS level(62.64±0.93) in the CdCl_2 exposure group(80.13±0.94)(P<0.05). In addition, RT-qPCR result showed that the Caspase-9 mRNA levels in the 5 and 10 μmol/L CdCl_2 treatment groups were 1.40±0.14 and 1.90±0.12(P<0.05), compared with the control group(0.97±0.10). Compared with the control group(0.88±0.08), the cleaved Caspase-3 mRNA levels in the 5 and 10 μmol/L CdCl_2 treatment groups were increased to 1.42±0.11 and 1.59±0.12(P<0.05). While in the 5 and 10 μmol/L CdCl_2-treated group, compared with the control group(0.94±0.02), the Bcl-2 mRNA level were decreased to 0.60±0.02 and 0.50±0.09(P<0.05). Compared with the cadmium treatment group(0.57±0.06), NAC could significantly improve the cadmium-induced Bcl-2 mRNA expression level(0.92±0.03), and Caspase-9(CdCl_2 group: 1.96±0.07; CdCl_2+NAC group: 1.04±0.02) and Caspase-3(CdCl_2 group: 1.65±0.02; CdCl_2+NAC group: 0.66±0.04) were decreased(P<0.05). The Caspase cascade in mouse Leydig cells can be activated by excessive ROS induced by CdCl_2, and inhibition of ROS production can significantly reduce the CdCl_2-induced apoptosis of TM3 cells.

Inhibitory effect and mechanism of action (MOA) of hirsutine on the proliferation of T-cell leukemia Jurkat clone E6-1 cells.

BackgroundThe bark of Uncaria rhynchophylla has been traditionally used to treat convulsion, bleeding, hypertension, auto-immune conditions, cancer, and other diseases. The main focus of this research is done for the purpose of exploring the antitumor activity and mechanism of action (MOA) for hirsutine isolated from U. rhynchophylla.MethodsJurkat clone E6-1 cells were treated using 10, 25 and 50 μM for 48 h. Inhibition of cell proliferation due to hirsutine treatment was evaluated by CCK8 assay. Flow cytometry was applied to ascertain Jurkat cell cycle progression and apoptosis after treatment with 10, 25 and 50 μM hirsutine for 48 h. The expression and level of the apoptosis-related genes and proteins was analyzed by Real-time Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting method, respectively.ResultsCCK8 analyses revealed that hirsutine could significantly inhibit the proliferation of Jurkat clone E6-1 cells, in a concentration and time-dependent fashion. Flow cytometry assays revealed that hirsutine could drive apoptotic death and G0/G1 phase arrest in Jurkat cells. Apoptotic cells frequencies were 4.99 ± 0.51%, 13.69 ± 2.00% and 40.21 ± 15.19%, and respective cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 accounted for 34.85 ± 1.81%, 42.83 ± 0.70% and 49.12 ± 4.07%. Simultaneously, compared with the control group, Western blot assays indicated that the up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax, cleaved-caspase3, cleaved-caspase9 and Cyto c proteins, as well as the down-regulation of Bcl-2 protein which guards against cell death, might be correlated with cell death induction and inhibition of cell proliferation. QPCR analyses indicated that hirsutine could diminish BCL2 expression and, at the same time, improve Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9 mRNA levels, thus reiterating a putative correlation of hirsutine treatment in vitro with apoptosis induction and inhibition of cell proliferation (p-value < 0.05). Excessive hirsutine damages the ultrastructure in mitochondria, leading to the release of Cyt c from the mitochondria to cytoplasm in Jurkat clone E6-1 cells, thereby inducing the activated caspase cascade apoptosis process through a mitochondria-mediated pathway.ConclusionAn important bioactive constituent—hirsutine—appears to have antitumor effects in human T-cell leukemia, thus enlightening the use of phytomedicines as a novel source for tumor therapy. It is speculated that hirsutine may induce apoptosis of Jurkat Clone E6-1 cells through the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.

Ceranib-2, HIF1-α gen ekspresyonunu inhibe eder ve HepG2 hücrelerinde apoptozu indükler

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the apoptotic effect of a novel anti-cancer drug, ceranib-2 and impact on HIF-1α levels on HepG2.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The cell line was treated in vitro with 0,1, 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 µM ceranib-2 for 24 and 48 hours and cell viabilitiy was determined. mRNA levels of acid ceramidase, caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, Cyc1, HIF-1α and TNF-α were measured by qPCR. &#x0D; Results: Ceranib-2 at 10 µM concentration reduced the viability by about 58 % after 24 and 48 hours. The same dose increased mRNA level of caspase-3 and no change was detected on caspase-8 when compared to the control group after 24 hours. No difference was detected on caspase-3, but caspase-8 mRNA level increased after 48 hours with ceranib-2 at 10 µM concentration. Caspase-9 mRNA levels did not differ after 24 and 48 hours. Ceranib-2 at 10 µM concentration lowered mRNA level of Cyc1 against the control group after the 24- hour treatment. ASAH mRNA level was reduced after the 48-hour treatment with 10 µM ceranib-2. Reduction of ASAH indicated that 10 µM ceranib-2 could inhibit ceramidase after 48 hours and this may elavate ceramide concentration. TNF-α mRNA increased after 24 and 48 hours, but HIF-1α expression was low after 24 hours when compared to the control group. &#x0D; Conclusion: We have found that ceranib-2 induces apoptosis in HepG2, thus ceranib-2 may play an anti-cancer role at 10 µM concentration.

Restoration of miRNA-143 Expression Inhibits Growth and Migration of MKN-45 Gastric Cancer Cell Line.

Purpose: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the main causes of death from diseases, especially in developing countries. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important modulators of the messenger RNAs expression. Among these miRNAs, MiR-143 is a tumor suppressor miRNA and its irregular expression has been revealed in a diversity of malignancies such as GC. Methods: In this study, we have attempted to restore the miR-143 expression in MKN-45 cells by introducing pCMV-miR-143 plasmid vectors. The consequences of exogenous expression of miR-143 on cell proliferation and migration were assessed by MTT and scratch tests, respectively. In addition, the DAPI staining assay was applied for apoptosisquantification. Following miR-143 transfection, the changes in K-Ras, C-Myc, MMP9, Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9 mRNA levels were assessed. Results: The results indicated that the enhanced expression of miR-143 had negative effects on MKN-45 cells proliferation and invasion. Moreover, decreased expressions of K-Ras, MMP9, and C-Myc and up-regulation of Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9 as downstream targets of miR-143 were recognized. Conclusion: These experimental results indicate that reversing the miR-143 expression, by novel techniques, including miRNA replacement could be considered as an efficient approach to reduce cell survival and metastasis.

Heat-killed probiotic bacteria induce apoptosis of HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cell line via the regulation of Bax/Bcl2 and caspases pathway.

Apoptosis induction in cancer cells is one of the most efficient ways to treat cancer and find anticancer compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of heat-killed indigenous probiotic bacteria and apoptosis induction in the HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cell line. The growth-inhibitory effects of probiotic heat-killed Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus paracasei isolated from the traditional Iranian food "Terxine" on the HT-29 cell line were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Flow cytometry by Annexin-FITC kit, DNA fragmentation assay, 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining, and the expression of Bax, Bcl2, caspase-3, and caspase-9 were used to analyze apoptosis. MTT results demonstrated that the heat-killed bacteria inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 cells and induced apoptosis in a time-, dose-, and strain-dependent manner. The results demonstrated that both bacteria could induce apoptosis in the HT-29 cell line. Heat-killed probiotic bacteria increased the expression of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 mRNA levels in HT-29 cell lines. Also, heat-killed probiotic bacteria reduced the expression of Bcl2 in HT-29 cells. The heat-killed probiotic bacteria in this study exhibited potent growth inhibitory effects on cancer cells. The results demonstrated that L. brevis has a greater ability to inhibit the growth of HT-29 cells and induce apoptosis, compared with L. paracasei. It is proposed that these bacteria can be used as biological products for the treatment and prevention of cancer, pending further investigation.

Compound Bieshe Kang’ai inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in HCT116 human colorectal cancer cells

Purpose: To study the effect of Compound Bieshe Kang’ai (CBK) on proliferation and apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells.Methods: HCT116 colorectal cancer cells and FHs 74 Int intestinal cells were treated with CBK, followed by determination of cell proliferation with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Caspase-9 and caspase-3 activities as well as protein expressions of Bcl-2 and BAX, and mRNA levels of caspase-9, caspase-3, Bcl-2 and BAX in HCT116 cells were evaluated, followed by examination of the morphological alterations of HCT116 cells with Hoechst 33342 staining.Results: CBK suppressed proliferation of HCT116 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent pattern, without cytotoxicity to FHs 74 Int cells. CBK also elevated caspase-9 and caspase-3 activities, mitigated protein translation of Bcl-2 and augmented that of BAX. It also enhanced mRNA transcriptions of caspase-9, caspase-3 and BAX, but decreased that of Bcl-2 in HCT116 cells in a concentrationdependent manner, as well as induced cancer cell shrinkage, nuclear fragmentation and chromatin condensation.Conclusion: The findings highlight CBK as a promising therapeutic agent for colorectal cancers, by retarding proliferation and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.Keywords: Apoptosis, BAX, Bcl-2, Cancer, Caspase, Compound Bieshe Kang’ai, Chromatin condensation, Nuclear fragmentation

The effects of dietary Lycium barbarum extract on growth performance, liver health and immune related genes expression in hybrid grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus♂ × E. fuscoguttatus♀) fed high lipid diets

Growth performance, hepatic morphology and antioxidant ability, and expressions of antioxidant, inflammatory and apoptosis related genes were investigated in hybrid grouper fed high lipid diets containing 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 10 g kg−1Lycium barbarum extract (LBE) for 8-week feeding. The study showed that dietary LBE significantly increased weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) of fish (P < 0.05), the highest WGR and SGR were observed in fish fed 10.00 g kg−1 LBE diet. Dietary LBE improved liver morphology by decreasing hepatocyte necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration induced by high lipid diets. Meanwhile, high lipid diets supplemented with 0.5–2 g kg−1 LBE improved hepatic antioxidant ability by increasing the expression of antioxidant genes (GPx and CAT) and decreasing Keap1 mRNA levels. Moreover, dietary supplementation with 0.50–2.00 g kg −1 LBE significantly decreased IL-8, caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 mRNA levels and significantly increased IL-10 and TGF-β1 mRNA levels in the liver of fish fed high lipid diets. In conclusion, high lipid diets supplemented with LBE improved growth performance, feed utilization and liver health in hybrid groupers by increasing hepatic antioxidant enzymes activity and its genes expression, as well as inhibition of hepatic inflammatory response and apoptosis.

Induction of apoptosis in HPV16 E7 transfected human keratinocyte by ALA-mediated photodynamic therapy

Background and objective5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-mediated photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is effective for the treatment of condyloma and intraepithelial neoplasia associated with human papillomaviruses (HPV). However, the mechanism of PDT on HPV-infected host cells is not fully understood. The aim of this in vitro study was to examine ALA-PDT induced apoptosis in a high-risk HPV E7 gene transfected cell line. Materials and methodsHPV16 E7 gene obtained from HPV16 positive human cervical carcinoma was transfected into a human keratinocyte cell line. PpIX generation and ALA-PDT-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial damage were investigated in vitro. ResultsFluorescence examination showed that HPV16E7 transfected cells could produce PpIX fairly quickly in the presence of 1mM ALA. Apoptosis occurred after ALA-PDT at dose levels of 4, 8, and 12J/cm2. Mitochondrial potential collapse occurred as early as 2h post PDT. ALA-PDT induced a relatively weak and shorter caspase-9 activation but a strong and long lasting caspase-3 activation. However, mRNA levels of caspase-9 and -3 genes in cells treated with ALA-PDT were unchanged. ConclusionThis in vitro study demonstrated that HPV16 E7 transfected keratinocytes could generate PpIX in the presence of ALA. Under light irradiation, ALA-PDT could induce mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in HPV16 E7 transfected cells.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Plays a Key Role in Rotenone-Induced Apoptotic Death of Neurons.

Rotenone, a pesticide, causes neurotoxicity via the mitochondrial complex-I inhibition. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in rotenone-induced neuronal death. Cell viability, cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, nitrite level, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and DNA damage were assessed in rotenone-treated neuro-2A cells. Protein levels of ER stress markers glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78), growth arrest- and DNA damage-inducible gene 153 (GADD153), and phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit α (eIF2-α) were estimated to assess the ER stress. To confirm the apoptotic death of neurons, mRNA levels of caspase-9, caspase-12 and caspase-3 were estimated. Further, to confirm the involvement of ER stress, neuro-2A cells were pretreated with ER stress inhibitor salubrinal. Co-treatment of antioxidant melatonin was also given to assess the role of oxidative stress in rotenone-induced apoptosis. Rotenone (0.1, 0.5, and 1 μM) treatment to neurons caused significantly decreased cell viability, increased cytotoxicity, increased ROS generation, increased expression of GRP78 and GADD, DNA damage and activation of caspase-12 and caspase-3 which were significantly attenuated by pretreatment of salubrinal (25 μM). Rotenone-induced dephosphorylation of eIF2α was also inhibited with salubrinal treatment. However, pretreatment of salubrinal did not affect the rotenone-induced increased nitrite levels, decreased MMP and caspase-9 activation. Co-treatment of antioxidant melatonin (1 mM) did not offer attenuation against rotenone-induced increased expression of caspase-9, caspase-12 and caspase-3. In conclusion, results indicated that ER stress plays a key role in rotenone-induced neuronal death, rather than oxidative stress. Graphical Abstract Pictorial presentation showed the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitrite level, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), caspase activation and DNA damage in neuronal cells after rotenone treatment. ER stress inhibitor-salubrinal showed significant attenuation against most of the rotenone-induced adverse effects reflecting its key involvement in rotenone-induced neuronal death.

Emodin induces apoptosis of human cervical cancer hela cells via intrinsic mitochondrial and extrinsic death receptor pathway

BackgroundEmodin is a natural anthraquinone derivative isolated from the Rheum palmatum L. Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of emodin on the apoptosis of the human cervical cancer line HeLa and to identify the mechanisms involved.MethodsRelative cell viability was assessed by MTT assay after treatment with emodin. Cell apoptosis was detected with TUNEL, Hoechst 33342 staining and quantified with flow cytometry using annexin FITC-PI staining.ResultsThe percentage of apoptotic cells was 0.8, 8.2, 22.1, and 43.7%, respectively. The mRNA levels of Caspase-9, -8 and −3 detected by Real-time PCR after treatment with emodin were significantly increased. Emodin increased the protein levels of Cytochome c, Apaf-1, Fas, FasL, and FADD but decreased the protein levels of Pro-caspase-9, Pro-caspase-8 and Pro-caspase-3.ConclusionWe conclude that the emodin inhibited HeLa proliferation by inducing apoptosis through the intrinsic mitochondrial and extrinsic death receptor pathways.

P02-488 - Apoptosis in medial prefrontal cortex of PTSD rats

IntroductionA critical region of PTSD is the medial prefrontal cortex, which may be impaired in this disorder. Neuroimaging studies have reported reduced cortical volumes and neuronal integrity, as well as decreased function in medial prefrontal structures in this disorder.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to find whether mPFC neurons have cell apoptosis, which may lead to the dysfunction of mPFC of PTSD.MethodsThe group to test apotosis was divided into SPS after1d, 4d, 7d, 14d and control group. Expression of caspase-9 and caspase-3 were detected by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blotting and RT-PCR.ResultsCaspase-3 was located in cytoplasm. Evaluation of Caspase-3 immunohistochemistry showed a significant increased in the SPS-1d, SPS-4d and SPS-7d compared with the normal control group, then gradually decreased in SPS-14d. Caspase-9-positive cells were expressed in the control group and the SPS groups, The positive expression was green fluorescence, which in cell body, membrane, and processes. The mRNA levels of Caspase-9 in the SPS rats were significant increased on days 1d and 4d then gradually decreased. The Caspase-3 mRNA levels peaked at SPS-7d, then decreased on SPS-14d.ConclusionsThe mPFC neuronal apoptosis through mintochodrial pathway would play an important role in the dysfunction of mPFC in post traumatic stress disorder patients.

Effects of different dental alloys on cytotoxic and apoptosis related genes expression of mouse fibroblast cells L929

To investigate effects of the leaching liquids of 5 different kinds of dental alloys on L929 cells at cell level and molecular level. The fibroblast L929 cells of mouse were cultivated in vitro in leaching liquids of 5 different kinds of dental alloys, Au alloy (n = 8), Ag-Pt alloy (n = 8), Co-Cr alloy (n = 8), Ni-Cr alloy (n = 8), and Cu alloy (n = 8). The RPMI 1640 cell medium containing 10% fetal beef serum was used as control. The cytotoxicities of the 5 dental alloys were evaluated by means of methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT), and the effects of these alloys on the expression of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 mRNA of L929 cells were examined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. After 48 hours culture the cytotoxicity of Cu alloy group was in Grade 4 and those of the other groups were all in Grade 0. The mRNA levels of caspase-8 had no change in all groups (P > 0.05). The mRNA levels of caspase-3 were as follows: Cu alloy (0.474 +/- 0.001), the negative control (0.527 +/- 0.003), Au alloy (0.528 +/- 0.013), Co-Cr alloy (0.615 +/- 0.007), Ag-Pd alloy (0.673 +/- 0.009), and Ni-Cr alloy (0.803 +/- 0.037). The mRNA levels of caspase-9 were as follows: Cu alloy (0.532 +/- 0.041), Au alloy (0.574 +/- 0.013), the negative control (0.578 +/- 0.010), Co-Cr alloy (0.617 +/- 0.009), Ag-Pd alloy (0.703 +/- 0.018), and Ni-Cr alloy (0.811 +/- 0.037). There were significant differences between the groups except the negative control group and Au alloy group. The Cu alloy shows the highest cytotoxicity, and the leaching liquids of 5 different kinds of dental alloys may induce cell apoptosis through mitochondrion pathway.