Gecko crude peptides induce apoptosis in human liver carcinoma cells in vitro and exert antitumor activity in a mouse ascites H22 xenograft model.

Aim: To investigate the anti-tumor effects and mechanisms of gecko crude peptides (GCPs) in vitro and in vivo.

Methods: 3-(4,5)-Dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay was applied to measure the effects of GCPs on the HepG2 cell viability. Fluorescence morphology was used to identify apoptotic cells.