Objective: To study the effects of Gambogenic acid (GNA) on the growth of human gastric carcinoma cell line MGC-803 and its underlying mechanisms.
Methods: MTT assay was used to measure the cell viability. Apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected using flow cytometry method. Among them, Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining was employed in the analysis of apoptosis, Rh123 in analyzing MMP and H2DCFDA in analyzing ROS formation. P53 expression was confirmed by Western blot.
Results: 4.0 micromol/L GNA inhibited MGC-803 cells growth in a time dependent manner from 24 to 48 h. At the concentration range from 1.0 to 12.0 micromol/L, the inhibitory effect was in a concentration dependent manner. After treatment with 4.0 micromol/L GNA for 48 h, apoptosis was obviously observed as assayed by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Importantly, MMP was decreased and ROS formation was increased following GNA treatment. Additionally, P53 expression was up-regulated following 4.0 micromol/ L GNA treatment in a time dependent manner.
Conclusion: GNA induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis and increases P53 expression in human gastric carcinoma cell line.