Roles of NF-κB,AP-1 and caspase-3 in SC58125-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells

AIM: To explore the molecular mechanisms of SC58125 on apoptosis in HepG2 cells. METHODS: Cell culture, ELISA, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, Western blot and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) analysis were employed to clarify the effect of SC58125 on apoptosis in HepG2 cells and related molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: SC58125 induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, which was accompanied by inhibition of NF-κB, activation of caspase-3, decrease of bcl-2 mRNA and increase of p53mRNA. However, no significant changes were found in the DNA binding of AP-1. CONCLUSION: SC58125 induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells, which may be related to the inhibition of NF-κB, activation of caspase-3, decrease of bcl-2 mRNA and increase of p53mRNA.