Effect Of Silibinin On Proliferation Of Human Heptocellular Carcinoma In Vitro And Relevant Mechanisms

Objective: To determine the effects of Silibinin on inhibiting the proliferation of human hepatoma cell lines HepG2 and SMMC-7721 in vitro and investigate the relevant mechanisms. To provide the theory foundation that if it can be used for the chemotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: The cell growth activity was evaluated by MTT assay. Distribution of cell cycle and apoptotic cell death were analysed by flow cytometry. The protein expression of PCNA and Ki-67 were detected by immunohistochenical technique. Morphological changes under light microscope and electronic microscope were observed. Results: Silibinin treatment of cells resulted in a moderated to strong growth inhibition and the inhibition effect depended on the exposure time and dose to silibinin. The analysis of cell cycle and the apoptotic cell death indicated that silibinin blocked cells at G2/M and the apoptosis emergenced. When treated with silibinin for 72h , the expression of PCNA and Ki-67 of HepG2 and SMMC-7721 were down-regulated. These morphological changes of HepG2 and SMMC-7721 which treated with Silibinin that the cells shrank and turned round , Cytoplasmic condensed and nucleus pycnosised , apoptosis and apoptotic body emergenced were observed through the light microscope and transmission electronic microscopy. Conclusion Silibinin could inhibit HepG2 and SMMC-7721 proliferation through disturbing the cell cycle progression and inducing apoptosis, decreasing the expression of PCNA and Ki-67.