Inhibition Of U87 Glioma Cell Growth By Baicalein Through Apoptosis Induction And Cell Cycle Arrest

Background and Objectives: Malignant glioma is the frequently detected brain tumor with high morbidity and mortality rates. The present study investigated the effect of baicalein, a chemical constituent of Scutellaria baicalensis on glioma cell proliferation. Materials and Methods: The MTT assay was used to determine changes in C6 and U87 glioma cell proliferation by baicalein. Apoptosis induction in U87 cells by baicalein treatment was assessed by commercially available Annexin V-FITC Detection kit (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA, USA). Effect of baicalein on Mcl-1, caspase-3, PARP and cytochrome c proteins was analyzed by western blotting. Results: The results revealed that baicalein exposure of C6 and U87cells significantly (p<0.05) decreased cell viability. Baicalein treatment of U87 cells caused significant enhancement in apoptotic cell percentage and lead to release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. Its exposure caused cleavage of caspase-3, enhanced PARP activation and increased percentage of cells in G2/M phase. Baicalein treatment caused concentration dependent decrease in myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) protein expression in U87 cells. Conclusion: The study concluded that baicalein treatment inhibits glioma cell viability through induction of apoptosis and arrest of cell cycle. It inhibited Mcl-1 and anti-apoptotic protein expression. Therefore, baicalein can be of immense significance for glioma treatment.