Fig. 2: α-MGT induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HCC cells in vitro.

a, b HepG2 and SK-Hep-1 cells were treated with α-MGT (20 μM) for 24 h. Cell cycle distribution of HCC cells were then analyzed by flow cytometry through PI staining. c, d HepG2 and SK-Hep-1 cells were treated with DMSO- or α-MGT for 24 h, and then stained with Annexin V-FITC/PI. The population of apoptotic cells was measured by flow cytometry. e DMSO- or α-MGT-treated HepG2 cells were stained with DAPI, and observed by immunofluorometric microscope. Bar = 50 μm. f After treatment of α-MGT for 24 h, the expression of PARP and cleaved PARP were detected using western blotting assay. Data are expressed as mean ± SD, n = 3. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, and ****p < 0.0001 vs. vehicle control.