ZERUMBONE (ZER) INDUCES APOPTOSIS IN HEPG2 CELLS VIA MITOCHONDRIAL PATHWAY

Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the anti-cancer effect of ZER on the human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line. Methods: The anti-cancer mechanisms investigated were apoptosis and anti-proliferation. The assays used in the in vitro study were 3-4-5- di methyl thiazol -2-yl-2, 5-di phenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), annexin V and acridine orange/propidium iodide staining, and cell cycle analysis to determine apoptosis. Colorimetric assays were employed for caspase-3 and 9 determinations. The morphological changes were determined by scanning electron microscopy. Results: Zerumbone inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner and induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and apoptosis, shown by chromatin condensation, cell shrinkage and formation of apoptotic bodies, in the HepG2 cells in a time-dependent manner. Zerumbone also stimulated caspase-3 and-9 activities in the HepG2 cells. Conclusions: This study suggests that the induction of apoptosis of ZER on HepG2 was via the mitochondrial pathway.