ABSTRACT
This study was aimed to explore the effects of oleanolic acid on PTEN expression and apoptosis of Jurkat cells. The inhibitory rate was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8. The apoptotic nucleus morphous was observed by Hoechst 33258 staining. The apoptosis rate of Jurkat cells were determined by flow cytometry with Annexin V/PI double staining. PTEN mRNA and protein were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot respectively. The results showed that oleanolic acid inhibited the proliferation of Jurkat cells in time- and dose-dependent manners. The 50% growth inhibition (IC(50)) at 12, 24 and 48 hours were about 85.35 µmol/L, 53.66 µmol/L and 33.18 µmol/L respectively. Flow cytometric assay showed that the apoptotic rates of Jurkat cells treated with oleanolic acid (0, 40, 80 and 160 µmol/L) for 24 hours were 6.72%, 19.8%, 28.72% and 30.12% (p < 0.05). PTEN mRNA and protein expressions were up-regulated in Jurkat cells treated with oleanolic acid of concentration 80 µmol/L and 160 µmol/L for 24 hours. It is concluded that up-regulation of PTEN mRNA and PTEN protein may be involved in oleanolic acid-induced Jurkat cell apoptosis.