Induction Of Apoptosis In Human Non-small Cell Lung Cancer A549 Cells By Triptolide

Objective To investigate the proliferation inhibitory effect, the apoptosis-inducing activity of triptolide on A549 cells and take an initial approach on the mechanism of the apoptosis.Methods Non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549 was used in this study. The effects of triptolide on cell proliferation were observed in vitro by MTT method. The apoptosis was evaluated by DNA ladder and AO/EB fluorescent staining. Measurement of Caspase-3 activity and Survivin mRNA lever was taken to explaine the initial mechanism of apoptosis.Results Triptolide exhibited a marked antiproferative effect on A549 cells within the concentration from 6.25 to 100ng/ml and the time from 12 to 48 hours(p<0.05). The apoptotic ratio was time-dependant in 48 hours(p<0.05). The activity of Caspase-3 activity had a significant increase compared to the control group in 48 hours(p<0.05)and reached a maxlmum after 12 hours treating of triptolide. Likewise, Caspase-3 activity had a direct correlation with the concentration of triptolide during 6.25 to 100ng/m(lp<0.05). However, the lever of Survivin mRNA had a significant decrease compared to the control group(p<0.05). Furthmore, it had a negative correlation with the Caspase-3 activity .Conclusions Triptolide can inhibit the proliferation on A549 cells effectively at a low concentration. The effect may be correlated with the apoptosis-inducing activity through the Caspase-3 activation and down-regulation Survivin mRNA from triptolide.