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Increase in apoptosis by combination of metformin with silibinin in human colorectal cancer cells

2015; Baishideng Publishing Group; Volume: 21; Issue: 14 Linguagem: Inglês

10.3748/wjg.v21.i14.4169

2219-2840

Cheng-Chia Tsai,

Ion channel regulation and function

AIM:To investigate the effect of metformin on silibinin-induced apoptosis in human colorectal cancer (COLO 205) cells. METHODS:MTT assays were performed to quantify cell viability.Western blot assays were applied to identify the expression of signaling proteins. RESULTS:The combined treatment of COLO 205 cells with metformin and silibinin decreased cell survival at a dose insufficient to influence the non-malignant cells [Human colonic epithelial cells (HCoEpiC)].Silibinin and metformin increased phosphatase and tensin homolog and 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase expression in COLO 205 cells and inhibited the phosphorylation of mammol/Lalian target of rapamycin.This combined treatment resulted in an increase in the expression of activated caspase 3 and apoptosis inducing factor, indicating apoptosis. CONCLUSION:The combined treatment of human colorectal cancer cells with silibinin and metformin may induce apoptosis at a dose that does not affect HCoEpiC.This finding reveals a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer.