Octreotide induces caspase activation and apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells.

Aim: To investigate the role of octreotide on cellular proliferation and apoptosis of human hepatoma (HepG2) cells.

Methods: We studied cellular proliferation, apoptosis and the possible internal caspase-mediated apoptosis pathway involved, after treatment of HepG2 carcinoma cells with octreotide in comparison with the apoptosis caused by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Activities of caspase-3, caspase-9, caspase-8 and caspase-2 were studied, while apoptosis was investigated through detection of DNA fragmentation and through identification of apoptotic cells with the annexin-V/propidium iodide flow cytometric method.

A concentration-dependent effect of ursodeoxycholate on apoptosis and caspases activities of HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Clinical observations suggest that ursodeoxycholate (UDCA) may protect from hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients. Increased apoptosis of malignant cells is a candidate mechanism. Decreased apoptosis of cholangiocytes is proposed as a mechanism for the favourable effect of UDCA in primary biliary cirrhosis.