Induction of P53 genes in human hepatoma cells by Geraniin

Aim: To study the effect of Geraniin on the expression of P53 genes in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Methods: Cell survival was measured using MTT metabolic viability assay. Apoptosis of HepG2 was investigated by DNA gel electrophore; The level of P53 gene expression was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting analysis after the HepG2 cells were treated with Geraniin. Result: Geraniin resulted in significantly inhibitory action on growth of HepG2. Geraniin could increase the expression of p53 gene significantly when concentration of Geraniin was 5, 10, 20, 30µM. Conclusion: Geraniin could obviously enhance the expression of p53 tumor suppressor gene, its anti-tumor effect may be associated with improving the p53 tumor supperssor gene expression.