Apigenin inhibits proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cell by upregulation of cleaved caspases-3/8 and downregulation of pSTAT-3/pJAK-1/pJAK-2

Apigenin is a flavonoid nutrient and possesses antineoplastic actions. Cell proliferation inhibition, induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and inhibition of cancer cell spread were assessed. HepG2 cells were divided into 3 groups: HepG2/control group, HepG2/DMSO group and HepG2/Apigenin group. HepG2 cells were cultured for 24, 48 and 72 h. Apigenin was supplemented on HepG2 (100 mu M). Cell viability was assessed. qRT-PCR was applied for PARP, Bcl-2 and Bax genes expression. Western blot was estimated for cleaved caspases-3/8, HIF-alpha, and pSTAT-3/pJAK-1/pJAK-2 proteins. VEGF level was assessed by ELISA in cell culture supernatants. Finally, ultrastructure examination of cell culture pellet by transmission electron microscope (TEM) was determined. The results revealed that cleaved caspases-3/8 and Bax were significantly upregulated and the level of PARP, BcL-2, HIF-alpha, pSTAT-3, pJAK-1, pJAK-2 and VEGF were significantly downregulated in apigenin group compared to control groups.