Effects of Cantharidinate on apoptosis of human colorectal cancer UTC-116 cells were investigated by meansof 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, H and E staining, flow cytometry,and Raman Spectra analysis. The results showed Cantharidinate to exert inhibitory action on proliferationof human colorectal cancer UTC-116 cells, inducing apoptosis, arresting cells in G1 phase, with decline of Sand G2 phases. In addition, the results of Raman spectrum showed significant changes in the UTC-116 cellschemical structure with stretching after the application of Cantharidinate. Taken together, these results suggestthat the treatment of human colorectal cancer with Cantharidinate may be associated with multiple molecularmechanisms for apoptosis. Furthermore, similar to fluorouracil, Cantharidinate should be considered as novelassistant drug for controlling the growth of human colorectal cancer UTC-116 cells.
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