The effect of PI3K/Akt pathway in the apoptosis of human hepatoma MMC-7721 cells induced by serum containing Iridoid glycosides from Boschniakia rossica

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Iridoid glycosides from Boschniakia rossica(IGBR)serum on the viability and apoptosis of human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells, and to explore the possible mechanism. MTT method was used to detect the effect of IGBR containing serum on the viability of human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and Western blot was used to detect PI3K/Akt pathway related proteins. The results indicated that IGBR containing serum could reduce the viability of SMMC-7721 hepatoma cells and induce apoptosis. Fluorescence microscopy showed that apoptotic cells were enhanced by staining, and the fluorescence was bright, showing a uniform round and mass like structure. Western blot results compared with control group, 5-FU group and IGBR SMMC-7721 cells in the expression of Bax prtein increased, and p-Akt, reduced the Bcl-2 protein expression(p<0.05), no obvious difference between the two groups(p>0.05), while the total Akt did not change significantly. The IGBR containing serum can regulate Bax and Bcl-2 through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and induce apoptosis of human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells.