Abstract：Objective To investigate the effects of quercetin(Que)on cell proliferation and apoptosis in human colon carcinoma cell line HT29,and to explore the molecular mechanism through examining the changes in Fas and Caspase-3 protein expression.Methods HT29 cells were treated with Que at concentrations of 40μmol.L-1(Que1group),80μmol.L-1(Que2 group)and 120μmol.L-1(Que3 group).Positive control group was challenged with matrine(4.02mmol.L-1).Control cells received the vehicle only.Cell growth,apoptosis,ultrastructure and expression of Fas and caspase-3 protein were measured by MTT,flow cytometry,transmission electron microscope and Western Blot,respectively.Results Que treatment significantly inhibited cell growth in a dose-ependent manner(P<0.01),and the inhibition rates increased in a time-dependent manner in Que2 and Que3 groups.Examination with the electron microscope showed nuclear condensation,chromatin margination,nuclear fragmentation and apoptotic body formation in cells treated with Que.Furthermore,Que treatment significantly increased cell apoptosis and protein expression of Fas and Caspase-3 in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.01).Conclusion Que can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in HT29 cells through an apoptotic pathway involving Fas-mediated activation of Caspase-3.
2012, Vol. 52 
