Effect of baicalein on apoptosis of the human Hep G2 cell line was induced by mitochondrial dysfunction

The effects of baicalein on the human hepatoblastoma G2 (Hep G2) cell line were investigated in this study. By an SRB viability assay, we demonstrated that baicalein reduced the viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The apoptotic features such as chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation were observed in the baicalein-treated cells. During the process of apoptosis, we noticed a sequential dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and an apparent redistribution of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol in baicalein-treated cells. Furthermore, the mitochondrial Bcl-2 protein represented a dramatic change in response to baicalein treatment. Altogether, our data suggested that the effect of baicalein on apoptosis of the human Hep G2 cell line was induced by mitochondrial dysfunction and Bcl-2 regulation.