Effect of scopoletin on PC3 cell proliferation and apoptosis.
AIM
To investigate the effect of scopoletin on cell proliferation and apoptosis of PC3 cells.


METHODS
Cell growth curve, MTT assay, and acid phosphatase activity (ACP) were used to determine cell proliferation. Coomassie brilliant blue assay was used to measure the content of protein in cells. Light microscope, transmission electronmicroscope, and fluorescence microscope were used to observe scopoletin-induced morphological changes. Apoptosis rate and cell cycle distribution were determined by flow cytometry.


RESULTS
The IC50 of scopoletin for inhibiting PC3, PAA, and Hela cell proliferation was (157 +/- 25), (154 +/- 51), and (294 +/- 100) mg/L, respectively. Scopoletin induced a marked time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of PC3 cell proliferation. Scopoletin reduced the protein content and decreased the ACP level in PC3 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Cells treated by scopoletin showed typical morphologic changes of apoptosis by light microscope, fluorescence microscope, and transmission electronmicroscope. Apoptosis rate was 0.3 %, 2.1 %, 9.3 % and 35 % for scopoletin 0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/L, respectively, and cells in G2 phase decreased markedly after being treated with scopoletin.


CONCLUSION
Scopoletin inhibited PC3 proliferation by inducing apoptosis of PC3 cells.