Ellagic acid induces HeLa cell apoptosis via regulating signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling

Li,Lian‑Wei; Na,Chao; Tian,Song‑Yu; Chen,Jie; Ma,Rong; Gao,Ying; Lou,Ge

doi:10.3892/etm.2018.6182

Ellagic acid induces HeLa cell apoptosis via regulating signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling

Authors:
- Lian‑Wei Li
- Chao Na
- Song‑Yu Tian
- Jie Chen
- Rong Ma
- Ying Gao
- Ge Lou
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Affiliations: Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China, Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150036, P.R. China
Published online on: May 17, 2018 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2018.6182
Pages: 29-36
Copyright: © Li et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Ellagic acid has been reported to possess various activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, antiviral and anticancer abilities. However, the effect and underlying molecular mechanism of ellagic acid on cervical carcinoma remain unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of ellagic acid on human cervical carcinoma cells and the molecular mechanism involved. The present study assessed the survival of HeLa cells cultured in vitro using an MTT assay. Apoptosis rate and cell cycle of HaLa cells were measured using an Annexin V‑Fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide Apoptosis Detection and Cell Cycle Analysis kits, respectively, following treatment with varying concentrations of ellagic acid. Further effects of ellagic acid on HeLa cells was assessed using flow cytometry and western blotting. Ellagic acid treatment significantly inhibited cell proliferation of the human cervical carcinoma HeLa, SiHa and C33A cells. In HeLa cells, it was observed that ellagic acid arrested the cell cycle at G1 phase, induced cell apoptosis, suppressed the phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), as well as modulated the expression of associated proteins. Collectively, the results of the present study provide evidence that ellagic acid inhibits cervical carcinoma cell proliferation, and induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G1 phase possibly via the regulation of STAT3 signaling.

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