[Juglone inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of human cervical squamous cancer SiHa cells]

Abstract

Objective: To explore the effect of juglone on proliferation and apoptosis of human cervical squamous cancer SiHa cells.

Methods: Cultured SiHa cells in the exponential growth phase were grouped into blank control group and 10, 20, 50, 80 and 100 μmol/L juglone treatment groups. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was adopted to observe the inhibitory effect of juglone on the proliferation of SiHa cells, and then 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated through formula. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining and flow cytometry were used to detect the effect of 20 μmol/L juglone on SiHa cell apoptosis. Western blot was applied to determine the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax.

Results: MTT assay showed that, compared with the control group, treatment groups all showed significant inhibitory effects on SiHa cell growth, and IC50 was 20.4 μmol/L. Flow cytometry demonstrated that early apoptosis rate of SiHa cells in the control group was (2.46 ± 0.37)%, and after treatment with 20 μmol/L Juglone for 12 hours, the apoptosis rate was raised to (18.47 ± 2.26)%; Western blot analysis showed that the expression of Bcl-2 decreased while the expression of Bax increased significantly in SiHa cells treated with 20 μmol/L juglone.

Conclusion: Juglone could significantly inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of SiHa cells.