Inhibitory Effect And Expression Of P-ERK,c-MYC By D-limonene In Human Hepatoma SMMC-7721 Cells

Objective The goal of the investigation was to explore the inhibitory effects and expression of p-ERK,c-MYC on human hepatoma SMMC—7721 cells by d-limonene. Methods Human Hepatoma SMMC—7721 cells was cultured in vitro and than treated with each concentration of d-limonene(0.25mmol/L,0.5mmol/L,1mmol/L,2mmol/L,4mmol/L). Tumor cell killing rate was analyzed by MTT method and expression of p-ERK,c-MYC was examined by S-P immunohistochemistry. Results D-limonene had strong activity of antitumor concentration-dependent effect. The activity of d-limonene higher concentration was stronger than that of lower concentration. Compared with negative control group both of them had significant statistical differences (p<0.001).the IC50 was 0.85mmol/L.Among the experimental group had significant statistical differences (p<0.05).The positive expression rates of d-limonene for p-ERK,c-MYC was lower than that of control group. Both of them had significant statistical differences (p<0.01). The positive expression rates of d-limonene for p-ERK,c-MYC higher concentration group was more significant than that of lower concentration group ,The statistical differences were significant (p<0.05). Conclusion From this study, we conclude that d-limonene may significantly inhibit the growth and expression of p-ERK,c-MYC in human hepatoma SMMC—7721 cells. The mechanisms may be d-limonene can block the MAPK signal transduction pathway.