ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the mechanism of matrine (Mat) induced human erythroleukemia TF-1 cell apoptosis and its effect on SALL4 expression.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Different concentrations of the Mat (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 g x L(-1) ) were cultured in vitro in TF-1 cells at different time (24, 48, 72 h). Cell proliferation was assayed by MTT. Cell cycle was determined by flow cytometry (FCM). Cell apoptosis was detected by Annexin V and PI double staining method. SALL4 mRNA expression was detected by reverse transcription RT-PCR (RTT-PCR).</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Administrated with Mat (0.5-2.0 g x L(-1)) after 24, 48, 72 h, the proliferation of TF-1 cells were inhibited (P < 0.01) , and in dose- and time-dependent manner. Half inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) was 1.0 g L(-1) at 48 h. After 48 h that the Mat acted on TF-1 cells, the proportion of G0/G1 phase cells increased while compared with the control group, and S phase cells decreased (P < 0.01). Apoptosis were 8.6% , 11.21%, 15.26% , 17.63%, which showed statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) compared with the control group (5.05%). RT-PCR results showed the ratio between SALL4 mRNA expression and beta-actin (internal reference) expression significantly decreased (P < 0.01) with Mat dose increased.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In a certain range of concentration and time, Mat can inhibit TFT-1 cells proliferation. The mechanism is to make the cells G0/G1 phase blocked, to inhibit SALL4 gene expression and induce cell apoptosis.</p>