Effects of guggulsterone on proliferation and apoptosis of HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Objective To investigate the potential therapeutic effects of the plant-derived polyphenol, guggulsterone, on cell proliferation and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by using an in vitro system with the human hepatoma cell line, HepG2.Methods HepG2 cells and normal human liver L-02 cells were treated with different concentrations of guggulsterone (5-100 μmol/L) for 24-72 hours.Differential effects on cell proliferation were tested by MTT assay and on cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry (FACS) .Results Guggulsterone significantly inhibited HepG2 cell proliferation in a dose-and time-dependent manner, with the maximal inhibition effect being observed with 100 μmol/L guggulsterone (81.9%±1.92%) .FACS analysis indicated that guggulsterone-treated HepG2 cells were arrested in the G0/G1 phase.Guggulsterone also induced apoptosis of HepG2 cells (apoptotic %: 50 μmol/L, 24.91±2.41 and 75 μmol/L, 53.03±2.28) .Conclusion Guggulsterone exerts anticancer effects on HepG2 hepatoma cells by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis.The anti-proliferative effect may be related to interference of the cell cycle.