Radix Sophorae Flavescentis induces apoptosis through by Caspase, MAPK Activation and ROS Signaling Pathways in 5637 Human Bladder Cancer Cells
Abstract
The anti-cancer mechanisms of Radix Sophorae Flavescentis were investigated in 5637 bladder cancer cells.
Radix Sophorae Flavescentis extract (RSF) (50-400 µg/ml) inhibited the proliferation of 5637 cells and
increased sub-G1 phase ratios. RSF-induced cell death was associated with the down-regulation of B-cell
lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and the up-regulation of Bcl-2 X-associated protein (Bax). RSF also activated
caspase-3 and -9 and regulated the activations of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). In addition,
RSF increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and depolarized the mitochondrial
membrane potential. These findings suggest RSF induces apoptosis in 5637 bladder cancer cells and that it
has potential use as a novel anti-cancer drug for bladder cancer