Effects of Euphorbiae ebracteolatae Radix on the proliferation and apoptosis in human papillomavirus-18-infected HeLa cells

Objective To investigate effects of Euphorbiae ebracteolatae Radix on the proliferation and apoptosis in human papillomavirus (HPV) -18-infected HeLa cells. Methods The alcohol extract of Euphorbiae ebracteolatae Radix was prepared. Cell proliferation was determined using the MTT assay, and apoptotic cells was determined using the Hoechst 33258 staining. Results HPV-18-infected HeLa cells were treated with 10, 20 μg/ml of the alcohol extract of Euphorbiae ebracteolatae Radix for 12 h, the cell proliferation inhibition rate were significantly increased compared to the control group (16.36% ± 5.06%, 18.59% ± 5.99%; all P<0.01); HPV-18-infected HeLa cells were treated with 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 μg/ml of the alcohol extract of Euphorbiae ebracteolatae Radix for 72 h, the cell proliferation inhibition rate were significantly increased compared to the control group (13.82% ± 3.66%, 30.24% ± 6.58%, 43.29% ± 4.29%, 53.32% ± 1.41%, 54.24% ± 1.97%, 50.68% ± 1.74%; all P<0.01). The Hoechst 33258 staining showed that HPV-18-infected HeLa cells were treated with 10 μg/ml of the alcohol extract of Euphorbiae ebracteolatae Radix for 24 h, the apoptotic cells were found. Conclusion Euphorbiae ebracteolatae Radix could inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis in HPV-18-infected HeLa cells. Key words: HeLa cells; Human papillomavirus 18; Euphorbiae ebracteolatae Radix; Cell proliferation; Apoptosis