Anti-proliferative effects of anandamide in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Xie,Chengzhi; Liu,Guoxing; Liu,Jiefeng; Huang,Zhao; Wang,Fusheng; Lei,Xiaohua; Wu,Xiaolong; Huang,Shengfu; Zhong,Dewu; Xu,Xundi

doi:10.3892/ol.2012.751

Anti-proliferative effects of anandamide in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Authors:
- Chengzhi Xie
- Guoxing Liu
- Jiefeng Liu
- Zhao Huang
- Fusheng Wang
- Xiaohua Lei
- Xiaolong Wu
- Shengfu Huang
- Dewu Zhong
- Xundi Xu
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Affiliations: Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
Published online on: June 11, 2012 https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2012.751
Pages: 403-407

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Abstract

In our previous study, we reported that the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 are overexpressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues. Recently, the antitumor potential of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide (AEA) has also been addressed. The present study was conducted to investigate the anti-proliferative effects of AEA in HCC cells. The human HCC cell line Huh7 was used. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Apoptotic analysis was investigated by TUNEL assay. Real‑time PCR and western blot analysis were used to analyze the expression of relevant molecules. The results of this study demonstrated that AEA inhibited the proliferation of Huh7 cells, resulted in G1 cell cycle arrest and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, downregulation of CDK4 and upregulation of p21 and Bak by AEA were observed. This study defines the anti-proliferative effects of anandamide in HCC cells and suggests that AEA has therapeutic potential in the management of HCC patients.

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