Genistein-induced apoptosis is mediated by endoplasmic reticulum stress in cervical cancer cells.

作者：Yang Ym, Yi Yang, Dai Ww, Li Xm, Ma Jq, Tang Lp · 发表于：PubMed · 年份：2016 · 被引用次数：28 · 研究领域：Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Disease、Phytoestrogen effects and research、Cancer Research and Treatments

OBJECTIVE: Genistein, a major isoflavone found in soybeans, exhibits anti-cancer activity. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is known to be implicated in apoptosis induced by anti-cancer drugs. This study aimed to characterize the role of ER stress in genistein-induced apoptosis in cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HeLa cells were treated with genistein or/and 4-phenylbutyric acid. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Protein levels were detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Genistein suppressed the viability of HeLa cells in a dose dependent manner. In addition, genistein caused apoptosis in HeLa cells in a dose dependent manner. Genistein triggered ER stress in HeLa cells, as indicated by the upregulation of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and CHOP expression. Furthermore, ER stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid alleviated genistein-induced apoptosis and ER stress in HeLa cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that ER stress contributes to genistein-induced apoptosis in cervical cancer cells, and genistein is a promising agent for cervical cancer therapy.