Artesunate inhibits the growth and induces apoptosis of human gastric cancer cells by downregulating COX-2

• DOI: 10.2147/ott.s81041
• Publication Date: 2015-04-16T22:51:30Z
• Authors: Ping Zhang; He-Sheng Luo; Ming Li; Shi-yun Tan
• Keywords: Artesunate; Propidium iodide

Artesunate, a derivative of artemisinin isolated from Artemisia annua L., has been traditionally used to treat malaria, and artesunate demonstrated cytotoxic effects against variety cancer cells. However, there is little available information about the antitumor on human gastric In present study, we investigated effect cells whether its associated with reduction in COX-2 expression. The growth apoptosis were by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometric analysis annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining, rhodamine 123 Western blot analysis. Results indicate that exhibits antiproliferative apoptosis-inducing activities. Artesunate markedly inhibited cell proliferation time- dose-dependent manner induced manner, which was Treatment selective inhibitor celecoxib, or transient transfection siRNA, also apoptosis. Furthermore, treatment promoted expression proapoptotic factor Bax suppressed antiapoptotic Bcl-2. addition, caspase-3 caspase-9 activated, loss mitochondrial membrane potential, suggesting mediated pathways. These results demonstrate an anti-gastric One mechanisms may be inhibition led reduced induction apoptosis, connected dysfunction. might potential therapeutic agent for cancer.