Effects of Matrine on proliferation and apoptosis of Hela cells in vitro

Objective: To investigate the effects of Matrine on proliferation and apoptosis of human cervical carcinoma cell line Hela in vitro. Methods: Human cervical carcinoma cell line Hela was cultured in vitro. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT colorimetric assay. The percent age of apoptosis cells was detected by TUNEL staining. The expression of PCNA protein was displayed with immunohistochemistry. Results: Proliferation of Hela cells was inhibited in 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 g/L Matrine-treated groups compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). The inhibition of cell proliferation was correlated with time and concentration in the 0.5-1.5 g/L Matrine groups, whereas there was no significant difference among the 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 g/L Matrine-treated groups. The apoptotic cells increased significantly in 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/L Matrine-treated groups compared with the control group (P<0. 05). Expression of PCNA protein was significantly down-regulated in the 1.5 g/L Matrine-treated group at 48 h and 72 h, compared with the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Matrine could significantly inhibit the growth of human cervical carcinoma cell line Hela by inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Therefore, Matrine is a promising agent to treat cervical carcinoma.