Norcantharidin induces HeLa cells apoptosis through caspases pathway

AIM: To examine the apoptotic pathway of norcantharidin (NCTD)-induced HeLa cells death. METHODS: MTT, photomicroscopical observation, DNA agarose gel electrophoresis, LDH release and Western blot analysis were used. RESULTS: NCTD induced HeLa cells apoptosis and the apoptosis was partially reversed by the inhibitors of caspase-family (-3, -8, -10). The activities of caspase-3, -8 and -9 were significantly increased after treated with NCTD. The expression of the inhibitor of caspase-3 activated DNase (ICAD) was decreased in a time dependent manner. CONCLUSION: NCTD induces HeLa cells apoptosis through activating caspase pathways.