Induction of apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells by isoliquritizenin

Jung, Sun Wook; Kim, Yun Ok; Kim, Suk Hyun; Kwon, Sang Hun; Cho, Chi Heum; Cha, Soon Do

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Isoliquritizenin (ISL) is a chalcone flavonoid, present in licorice, shallot and bean sprouts, has cancer preventing properties and often used in chinese medicine. In this study, ISL to determine its effect on cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in human cervical cancer cells were evaluated.
METHODS
Cell viability assay was carried out to determine the viability of human cervical cancer cells. We tested the several experimental methods for verification and functional identification, including MTT assay, FACS analysis, DNA fragmentation assay, and Western blot analysis for ISL treated human cervical cancer cells (HeLa).
RESULTS
ISL, induced growth inhibition in a dose dependent manner, treatment with 50 microM/L ISL blocked 50% cell growth. FACS results showed that there was no change in the S phase, but on the other hand ISL increased the percentage of cells in G1 phase. DNA fragmentation assay by ELISA was done to find the rate of apoptosis. Apoptosis took place but in a reduced manner. From Western blot analysis, it revealed ISL induced the expression of p21(Cip1/Waf1) and p27(kip1) but not mediated by p53. Caspase pathway was revealed and cleavage of PARP took place.
CONCLUSION
ISL, a chalcone flavonoid, inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest at sub G1 by enhancing the production of p21(Cip1/Waf1) and p27(kip1). These results indicate that ISL will be a promising agent for use in chemopreventive or therapeutic against human cervical cancer cells.