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Celecoxib and quercetin induce apoptosis in human hepatocarcinoma

Chun-Peng Yu, Ruo-Guang Qiu, Lei Shi, Jun Liang

Introduction: Celecoxib and quercetin are reported as an anticancer agent in different malignancies. In present investigation, we have screened celecoxib and quercetin in different human hepatocarcinoma cells such as MDBK, HepG2 and Huh-7 for anticancer activity.

Methods: In present study, human hepatocellular carcinoma cells grown on medium treated with quercetin and celecoxib. In this effect on apoptosis and cell growth has been evaluated with help of by MTT assay and apoptosis in MDBK, HepG2 and Huh-7 cells and DAPI staining in MDBK cells. The apoptotic pathway induction by treatment group assessed with Bcl-2 and Bax protein expressional changes.

Results: Quercetin and celecoxib significantly increased apoptosis in human hepatocarcinoma MDBK, HepG2 and Huh-7 cells. Further, Bcl-2 and Bax-1 protein expression has been studied in MDBK cells exposed to treatments. The immunofluorescence of DAPI showed inhibition in proliferation human liver cancer cells by celecoxib and quercetin.

Conclusion: In conclusion, quercetin and celecoxib showed increase in apoptosis and decrease in hepatocellular proliferation. Further, immunofluorescence showed increase in fluorescence levels of treatment group confirmed apoptosis. The apoptosis might be through caspase pathway through changes in Bcl-2 and Bax proteins.