Abstract:
Objective: To discuss the induction of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the apoptosis of nasopharyn -geal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines CNE-2, and the characteristics of the changes in MnSOD expression during the course. Methods:In vitro cultured CNE- 2 cells were divided into the control group and another 3 experiment groups. No interven-tions (interfering reagent) such as EGCG were added to the control group, while the 3 experimental groups, received a EGCG concentrations in the culture solution of 10, 50and 100 µg EGCG per ml. MTT (Thiazolyl blue) method was used to calculate the growth suppression ratio of CNE- 2 cell line treated by EGCG of various concentrations at different time points, with morphological observation of the apoptosis made by fluorescence microscope. At the same time, the change in the ex-pression of MnSOD mRNA level was measured using RT-PCR determination. Results: With increase of the EGCG drug concentration and extension of the culture time, the growth inhibition ratio of CNE-2 cells significantly rose up, that is, the survival rate of CNE-2 cells significantly decreased. Observation by a fluorescence microscope showed that the completely green and fluorescent tumor cells with normal growth could be seen in the control group. After the CNE-2 cells interacted with EGCG, the apoptotic reddish-yellow tumor cells could be seen by the fluorescence microscope. The expressions of MnSOD gene (around 700 bp) and internal -reference β-actin gene (around 500 bp) could be detected in the control and in the experimental groups. Compared with the control, however, the expression of MnSOD mRNA level notably increased (P < 0.05), after the CNE- 2 cells respectively interacted with the 10, 50and 100 µg/mL EGCG for 24h, 48h and 72h. Also, there was an up-regulation of the MnSOD mRNA expression with an increase of EGCG concentration and extension of the culture time. Conclusion:EGCG can induce the apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE-2 by means of up-regulating the expression of MnSOD mRNA.