[D-limonene induces apoptosis of gastric cancer cells].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the apoptosis effect induced by D-limonene on BGC-823 gastric cancer cells. METHODS: The expression of p53, bc1-2 in BGC-823 cells and qualitative, quantitative index of cell apoptosis were detected with MTT, electron microscopy, flow cytometry and immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: D-limonene could induce the formation of apoptotic bodies in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The expression of bcl-2 protein decreased and p53 protein increased in BGC-823 cells treated with D-limonene, compared with the control cells. CONCLUSION: D-limonene exerts its cytotoxic effect on BGC-823 gastric cancer cells by inducing apoptosis.