华蟾素对MDA - MB -231细胞线粒体膜电位及活性氧的影响

目的:研究华蟾素诱导乳腺癌MDA - MB - 231细胞凋亡过程中,细胞内活性氧(ROS)及线粒体膜电位(△Ψm)的变化,探讨华蟾素对乳腺癌细胞的作用机制.方法:用不同浓度的华蟾素作用于MDA - MB - 231细胞24h后,分别用荧光探针罗丹明123和荧光探针DCFH-DA进行荧光染色,用流式细胞仪检测细胞内线粒体膜电位和活性氧的变化.结果:不同浓度的华蟾素作用于MDA - MB - 231细胞后,随着药物浓度的增加(0、12.5、25、37.5、50μg/ml),细胞内的ROS水平显著升高,荧光强度从3 609±24上升为6 263±35;同时,线粒体膜电位(△Ψm)显著下降,荧光强度从242±6降低到173±4.结论:华蟾素作用细胞后,使得细胞内活性氧水平显著升高,同时,线粒体膜电位显著下降,推测华蟾素对MDA - MB - 231细胞通过线粒体途径诱发细胞凋亡.     

1-甲基-4-苯基-吡啶盐致多巴胺能细胞系MES23.5的死亡机制

通过测定环境毒素1-甲基-4-苯基-吡啶盐(MPP )作用于多巴胺能细胞系MES23．5后细胞存活率的变化及细胞线粒体膜电位(△ψM)、活性氧(ROS)、羟自由基、超氧化物岐化酶(SOD)的变化,发现MPP^ 作用于多巴胺能细胞系MES23．5,可导致细胞存活率显著性减少,浓度达到200mol／L以上后,细胞存活率的下降呈时间与MPP^ 浓度依赖;以200μmol/L MPP^ 作用细胞6∽48h后,△ψM逐渐下降、ROS、羟自由基逐渐增加,48h后SOD开始显著性减少。结果表明早期线粒体能量代谢障碍和膜电位变化导致ROS(尤其是羟自由基)含量增加是MPP^ 导致多巴胺能细胞氧化应激的原因,而细胞内自由基的清除机制受损,则最终导致细胞变性死亡。     

亚硒酸钠诱导SW480细胞凋亡过程中活性氧的作用

为探讨亚硒酸钠诱导人结肠癌SW480细胞凋亡的机理,将荧光探针2′,7′－二氯荧光黄乙二脂（2′,7′－DCFH－DA）、罗丹明123（rhodamine123）负载人结肠癌细胞,利用多光子成像系统测定胞内活性氧（ROS）、线粒体跨膜电位（△Ψm）的变化。结果发现（1）Na2SeO3作用SW480细胞,可导致细胞凋亡和胞内的ROS增加。SOD、过氧化氢酶可降低凋亡率并抑制ROS的增加。（2）线粒体电子传递链抑制剂鲁藤酮及氰化钠可抑制OS增加。（3）Na2SeO3可导致线粒体的跨膜电位的下降。表明Na2SeO3作用细胞可导致来源于线粒体的ROS增加,ROS介导亚硒酸钠诱导细胞凋亡。     

曲古霉素A抑制肺癌细胞增殖的分子机制

目的:探讨组蛋白去乙酰化酶抑制剂曲古霉素A(trichostatin A,TSA)对人非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)A549细胞增殖抑制作用及机制.方法:以不同剂量TSA(0.1μM,0.5pM和1μM)处理A549细胞.MTT法检测细胞增殖情况,碘化丙啶(PI)染色结合流式细胞仪检测细胞周期,Westem blot法检测P21蛋白表达,流式细胞仪检测细胞线粒体膜电位和细胞凋亡.结果:TSA剂量依赖性抑制肺癌A549细胞增殖,表现为细胞周期阻滞于G2/M期,同时P21蛋白表达增高;此外,TSA还可以剂量依赖性的促进A549细胞凋亡,伴有线粒体膜电位下降.结论:TSA促进NSCLCA549细胞周期阻滞和凋亡,从而抑制其增殖.     

利福喷丁联合氟康唑对耐药白念珠菌细胞周期的影响

目的探索利福喷丁(rifapentine)联合氟康唑(fluconazole)对耐氟康唑白念珠菌细胞周期的影响。方法将白念珠菌菌悬液与利福喷丁和(或)氟康唑共同培养12h,碘化丙啶(PI)染色后流式细胞仪检测空白对照组、利福喷丁组、氟康唑组及利福喷丁与氟康唑联合用药组DNA含量,分析利福喷丁及其联合氟康唑对细胞周期的影响。结果与空白对照组、利福喷丁组及氟康唑组相比,联合用药组G0/G1期DNA含量均减少(P0.01),G2/M期DNA含量均显著增加(P0.01)。说明利福喷丁与氟康唑合用时组细胞周期阻滞在G2/M期。结论利福喷丁与氟康唑联合用药时能阻断耐药白念珠菌细胞周期进程,抑制细胞的正常分裂增殖。     

白藜芦醇诱导肺癌A549细胞凋亡

本实验以人肺腺癌A549细胞为实验对象,白藜芦醇(Res)诱导细胞凋亡的效应及其机制进行了研究。用不同浓度Res处理A549细胞48 h后,癌细胞的形态和生物学反应发生了明显的变化。为了确证这些变化是特征性的细胞凋亡现象,采用MTT法检验了细胞存活率;光学和荧光显微镜观察了细胞形态结构;流式细胞术分别检测了细胞凋亡率、细胞周期和线粒体膜电位(△ψm);Real Time RT-PCR和Western blot测定了Bcl-2/Bax表达水平。结果显示,白藜芦醇能够抑制A549细胞生长,并呈剂量依赖性关系,经Res处理后的A549细胞48 h的最佳药物浓度是30μmol/L,增殖抑制率为(60.85±0.84)%,显微镜下观察细胞呈明显凋亡现象,细胞凋亡率为(17.44±0.28)%,△ψm显著下降(p0.01),使细胞阻滞于G2期和S期;下调Bcl-2,使Bax的表达明显增加,从而导致Bcl-2/Bax比值显著降低(p0.01)。这些结果表明白藜芦醇可能通过调节Bcl-2/Bax基因的途径,诱导人肺腺癌A549细胞凋亡,并抑制癌细胞的进一步增殖。     

HOG1 MAPK参与调控亚砷酸钠诱导的酵母细胞凋亡

【目的】本研究探讨了HOG1 MAPK在亚砷酸钠诱导酵母细胞凋亡中的作用。【方法】以酵母野生株BY4741及其HOG1突变株(ΔHOG1)为材料,研究了亚砷酸钠对酵母细胞生长、相对存活率和氧化损伤的影响,并采用流式细胞术检测了亚砷酸钠胁迫下酵母细胞凋亡率、ROS水平和线粒体膜电位的变化。【结果】亚砷酸钠可抑制酵母细胞生长,诱导细胞凋亡。在相同处理组中,ΔHOG1对亚砷酸钠更为敏感,表现为细胞存活率降低,凋亡率升高。在亚砷酸钠胁迫过程中,ΔHOG1胞内ROS水平和MDA含量显著高于野生株BY4741,而线粒体膜电位显著低于野生株。【结论】HOG1 MAPK可能通过影响胞内ROS水平和线粒体膜电位的变化调控亚砷酸钠诱导的酵母细胞凋亡。     

连香树精油对人肝癌SMMC-7721细胞抗肿瘤机制的研究

为探讨连香树精油的体外抗肿瘤活性。以人肝癌SMMC-7721细胞为受试细胞株,利用MTT法、流式细胞术、JC-1法和Western blot法评价连香树精油的体外抗肿瘤活性。结果表明:连香树精油处理24 h后可降低SMMC-7721细胞存活率;细胞中G0/G1期的比例下降,G2/M期的比例升高;细胞线粒体膜电位降低;自噬相关蛋白LC3-Ⅱ、Beclin-1表达上升,加入自噬抑制剂氯喹后LC3-Ⅱ蛋白与Bcl-2抗凋亡蛋白表达下降。综上说明连香树精油能抑制SMMC-7721细胞的增殖活性,通过阻滞G2/M期抑制细胞分裂,通过降低线粒体膜电位诱导SMMC-7721细胞凋亡,而自噬在SMMC-7721细胞凋亡过程中作为一种保护机制而存在。     

ROS在镉诱导HK-2细胞氧化损伤和凋亡中的作用研究

该文研究了活性氧(reactive oxygen species, ROS)在镉(Cadmium, Cd)诱导HK-2细胞氧化损伤和凋亡中的作用。不同浓度CdCl2处理HK-2细胞不同时间后,通过MTT法、DCFH-DA标记、JC-1染色、彗星实验和流式细胞术分别检测细胞活性、ROS、线粒体膜电位Δψm、DNA损伤及细胞凋亡情况。结果显示, CdCl2处理引起HK-2细胞形态皱缩、变圆,活性下降,且呈时间和剂量依赖性; CdCl2处理导致ROS水平升高、线粒体膜电位Δψm下降、DNA损伤和caspase-3活化,最终导致细胞凋亡,且60μmol/L处理组及高浓度组与对照组相比差异极显著(P0.01)。采用ROS清除剂NAC与CdCl2共处理细胞24 h,发现细胞形态明显恢复、ROS水平显著降低、线粒体膜电位Δψm显著升高、彗星尾部长度和DNA百分比显著下降、凋亡细胞减少(P0.01)。综上所述, ROS介导了Cd诱导的HK-2细胞氧化损伤和凋亡。     

川楝素诱导人肺癌A549细胞凋亡

该研究旨在探讨川楝素诱导人肺癌A549细胞凋亡作用及其作用机制。通过不同浓度的川楝素作用于A549细胞48 h后,采用MTT法检测细胞活性;光学显微镜及荧光显微镜下观察细胞形态结构;流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率、线粒体膜电位(ΔΨm)和细胞周期;实时定量RTPCR和Western blot分别检测Bax、Bcl-2、Fas、Cycs(细胞色素C)和Caspase-3基因m RNA和蛋白质水平。结果显示,在一定浓度范围内,川楝素能抑制A549细胞增殖,诱导细胞凋亡,且呈剂量依赖性。川楝素作用48 h的最佳药物浓度是40μmol/L,增殖抑制率为46.73%±1.47%,细胞凋亡率为13.18%±0.41%,线粒体膜电位(ΔΨm)显著下降(P0.01),细胞阻滞于G2期和S期;Bcl-2的表达显著降低,Bax、Fas、Cycs和Caspase-3的表达显著增加(P0.01),提示川楝素可能通过上调Bax、Fas、Cycs和Caspase-3基因和下调Bcl-2基因诱导人肺癌A549细胞凋亡。     

Induction of apoptosis by magnolol via the mitochondrial pathway and cell cycle arrest in renal carcinoma cells

Magnolol (Mag), an effective natural compound isolated from the stem bark of Magnolia officinalis, was found to have the potential for antitumor activity by inducing apoptosis in tumor cells. However, the effect of Mag on renal carcinoma cells and its molecular mechanism are unexplored. Our study provided evidence that Mag induced apoptosis in 786-O and OS-RC-2?cell lines via the mitochondrial pathway and cell cycle arrest. In this work, we found that Mag induced morphological changes and inhibited the proliferation of 786-O and OS-RC-2?cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner but exerted no notable inhibitory effects on normal human renal proximal tubular (HK-2) cells. Treatment with Mag suppressed the migration and invasion ability of renal carcinoma cells. Moreover, Mag caused the openness of mPTP, the accumulation of intracellular ROS and decreased △Ψm, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. However, pretreatment with the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) reversed the apoptosis induced by Mag and decreased the generation of ROS. In addition, the increased proportion of the G1/G0 phase indicated that Mag caused cell cycle arrest. Further analyses suggested that magnolol-induced apoptosis was related to the abnormal expression of p53, Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c and caspase activation. Together, the results above revealed that Mag had antitumor effects in renal carcinoma cells via ROS production as well as cell cycle arrest and the apoptotic mitochondrial pathway was suppressed in part by NAC.     

Calcium-Mediated Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Involved in Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Apoptosis in Tobacco Protoplasts

In the present study, we focused on whether Intracellular free Ca^2＋ （[Ca^2＋],） regulates the formation of mltochondrlal permeability transition pore （MPTP） In H2O2-induced apoptosis In tobacco protoplasts. It was shown that the decrease In mltochondrlal membrane potential （△ψm） preceded the appearance of H2O2-Induced apoptosls; pretreatment with the specific MPTP Inhibitor cyclosporine A, which also Inhibits Ca^2＋ cycling by the mitochondria, effectively retarded apoptosls and the decrease In △ψm. Apoptosls and decreased △ψm were exacerbated by CaCl2, whereas the plasma membrane voltage-dependent Ca^2＋ channel blocker lanthanum chloride （LaCl3） attentuated these responses. Chelation of extracellular Ca^2＋ with EGTA almost totally Inhibited apoptosls and the decrease In △ψmInduced by H2O2. The time-course of changes In [Ca^2＋]l In apoptosls was detected using the Ca^2＋ probe Fiuo-3 AM. These studies showed that [Ca^2＋]1 was Increased at the very early stage of H2O2-Induced apoptosls. The EGTA evidently Inhibited the Increase In [Ca^2＋]1 Induced by H=O=, whereas It was only partially Inhibited by LaCl3. The results suggest that H2O2 may elevate cytoplasmic free Ca^2＋ concentrations In tobacco protoplasts, which mainly results from the entry of extracellular Ca^2＋, to regulate mltochondrlal permeability transition. The signaling pathway of [Ca^2＋]1-medlated mltochondrlal permeability transition was associated with H2O2-Induced apoptosis In tobacco protoplaete.     

Nonthermal plasma induces head and neck cancer cell death: the potential involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent mitochondrial reactive oxygen species

Nonthermal plasma (NTP) is generated by ionization of neutral gas molecules, which results in a mixture of energy particles including electrons and ions. Recent progress in the understanding of NTP has led to its application in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms of NTP-induced cell death are unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the molecular mechanism of NTP in the induction of apoptosis of head and neck cancer (HNC) cells. The effects of NTP on apoptosis were investigated using MTT, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling, Annexin V assays, and western blot analysis. The cells were examined for production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) using DCFCA or MitoSOX staining, intracellular signaling, and an animal model. NTP reduced HNC cell viability in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis. NTP resulted in alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential and accumulation of intracellular ROS generated from the mitochondria in HNC cells. Blockade of ROS production by N-acetyl-L-cysteine inhibited NTP-induced apoptosis. NTP led to the phosphorylation of c-JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38, but not extracellular-regulated kinase. Treatment with JNK and p38 inhibitors alleviated NTP-induced apoptosis via ROS generation. Taken together, these results show that NTP induced apoptosis of HNC cells by a mechanism involving MAPK-dependent mitochondrial ROS. NTP inhibited the growth of pre-established FaDu tumors in a nude mouse xenograft model and resulted in accumulation of intracellular ROS. In conclusion, NTP induced apoptosis in HNC cells through a novel mechanism involving MAPK-mediated mitochondrial ROS. These findings show the therapeutic potential of NTP in HNC.     

Coordination of mitochondrial bioenergetics with G1 phase cell cycle progression

Relatively little is known regarding how energetic demand during cell proliferation is sensed or coordinated with mitochondrial metabolism. Here we demonstrate that cell cycle progression through G1 is associated with a significant increase in mitochondrial membrane potential (?Ψm) and respiration. We used this change in metabolic rate to isolate cells in G1 with low and high levels of mitochondrial membrane potential (?ΨmL and ?ΨmH). Biochemical and functional studies demonstrate that ?ΨmL and ?ΨmH cells display the distinct characteristics of early and late G1 phase, respectively. We further demonstrate that the metabolic rate in G1 reflect levels of the mTOR-raptor complex as well as susceptibility to rapamycin-induced cell cycle delay. In conclusion, our data suggests a coupling of mitochondrial bioenergetics and G1 progression and points to the mTOR signaling pathway as a potential molecular coordinator of these two processes.     

Induced pluripotent stem cell‐conditional medium inhibits H9C2 cardiomyocytes apoptosis via autophagy flux and Wnt/β‐catenin pathway

Induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived conditioned medium (iPS‐CM) could improve cell viability in many types of cells and may be a better alternative for the treatment of myocardial infarction. This study aimed to examine the influence of iPS‐CM on anti‐apoptosis and the proliferation of H9C2 cardiomyocytes and investigate the underlying mechanisms. H9C2 cardiomyocytes were exposed to 200 μmol/L hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) for 24 hours with or without pre‐treatment with iPS‐CM. The ratio of apoptotic cells, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (△Ψm) and the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species were analysed by flow cytometric analysis. The expression levels of BCL‐2 and BAX proteins were analysed by Western blot. Cell proliferation was assessed using cell cycle and EdU staining assays. To study cell senescence, senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) staining was conducted. The levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione were also quantified using commercially available enzymatic kits. The results showed that iPS‐CM containing basic fibroblast growth factor significantly reduced H₂O₂‐induced H9C2 cardiomyocyte apoptosis by activating the autophagy flux pathway, promoted cardiomyocyte proliferation by up‐regulating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and inhibited oxidative stress and cell senescence. In conclusion, iPS‐CM effectively enhanced the cell viability of H9C2 cardiomyocytes and could potentially be used to inhibit cardiomyocytes apoptosis to treat myocardial infarction in the future.     

Differential induction of apoptosis by cigarette smoke extract in primary human lung fibroblast strains: implications for emphysema

Cigarette smoke is the principal cause of emphysema. Recent attention has focused on the loss of alveolar fibroblasts in the development of emphysema. Fibroblasts may become damaged by oxidative stress and undergo apoptosis as a result of cigarette smoke exposure. Not all smokers develop lung diseases associated with tobacco smoke, a fact that may reflect individual variation among human fibroblast strains. We hypothesize that fibroblasts from different human beings vary in their ability to undergo apoptosis after cigarette smoke exposure. This could account for emphysematous changes that occur in the lungs of some but not all smokers. Primary human lung fibroblast strains were exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and assessed for viability, morphological changes, and mitochondrial transmembrane potential as indicators of apoptosis. We also examined the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, and changes in glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) levels. Each human lung fibroblast strain exhibited a differential sensitivity to CSE as judged by changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, viability, ROS generation, and glutathione production. Interestingly, the thiol antioxidants N-acetyl-L-cysteine and GSH eliminated CSE-induced changes in fibroblast morphology such as membrane blebbing, nuclear condensation, and cell size and prevented alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential and the generation of ROS. These findings support the concept that oxidative stress and apoptosis are responsible for fibroblast death associated with exposure to tobacco smoke. Variations in the sensitivity of fibroblasts to cigarette smoke may account for the fact that only some smokers develop emphysema.     

银杏叶提取物对过氧化氢诱导的星形胶质细胞氧化损伤的保护作用

目的 研究银杏叶提取物（EGb761）对H2O2所致星形胶质细胞氧化损伤的保护作用。方法 用不同浓度的EGb761预处理细胞,再加入H2O2,通过噻唑蓝（MTT）实验、线粒体跨膜电位（△ψm）及细胞色素C释放实验、DNA损伤实验及半胱氨酰天冬氨酸特异性蛋白酶-3（Caspase-3）活性测定,观察EGb761对细胞存活率、线粒体膜通透性、DNA氧化损伤及Caspase-3活性的影响。结果 EGb761能明显降低Hz02对星形胶质细胞的氧化损伤,提高细胞的存活率;维持线粒体膜的完整性,抑制跨膜电位的耗散和细胞色素C的释放;抑制Caspase-3的活化和DNA的降解。结论 EGb761具有清除活性氧,减轻H2O2所致星形胶质细胞的氧化损伤,对星形胶质细胞有保护作用。     

Silver Nanoparticle Exposure Induced Mitochondrial Stress,Caspase-3 Activation and Cell Death: Amelioration by Sodium Selenite

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP), one of the most commonly used engineered nanomaterial for biomedical and industrial applications, has shown a toxic potential to our ecosystems and humans. In this study, murine hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells were used to delineate subcellular responses and mechanisms to AgNP by assessing the response levels of caspase-3, mitochondrial oxygen consumption, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential in addition to cell viability testing. Selenium, an essential trace element that has been known to carry protecting property from heavy metals, was tested for its ameliorating potential in the cells exposed to AgNP. Results showed that AgNP reduced cell viability. The toxicity was associated with mitochondrial membrane depolarization, increased accumulation of ROS, elevated mitochondrial oxygen consumption, and caspase-3 activation. Treatment with sodium selenite reduced cell death, stabilized mitochondrial membrane potential and oxygen consumption rate, and prevented accumulation of ROS and activation of caspase-3. It is concluded that AgNP induces mitochondrial stress and treatment with selenite is capable of preventing the adverse effects of AgNP on the mitochondria.     

Bradykinin enhances reactive oxygen species generation, mitochondrial injury, and cell death induced by ATP depletion--a role of the phospholipase C-Ca(2+) pathway

This study aimed to study the effect of bradykinin on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial injury, and cell death induced by ATP depletion in cell culture. Renal tubular cells were subjected to ATP depletion. Cell death was evaluated with LDH release, sub-G0/G1 fraction, Hoechst staining, and annexin V binding assay. ROS generation, mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)), and intramitochondrial calcium were evaluated with flow cytometry. Translocation of cytochrome c and activation of apoptotic protein were analyzed with cell fractionating and Western blotting. Intracellular calcium was measured with a spectrofluorometer. Bradykinin enhanced cellular LDH release, apoptosis, generation of superoxide, and hydrogen peroxide induced by ATP depletion. Bradykinin also enhanced the loss of DeltaPsi(m), translocation of cytochrome c into cytosol, and activation of apoptotic protein. The intracellular/mitochondrial calcium was higher in bradykinin-treated cells. All these effects were reversed by coadministration with bradykinin B2 receptor (B2R) antagonist. Besides, blocking the phospholipase C (PLC) could reverse the synergistic effect of bradykinin with ATP depletion on ROS generation, mitochondrial damage, accumulation of intracellular/mitochondrial calcium, and apoptosis. Activation of B2R aggravates ROS generation, mitochondrial damage, and cell death induced by ATP depletion. These effects may act through the PLC-Ca(2+) signaling pathway.     

Ceramide induces release of mitochondrial proapoptotic proteins in caspase-dependent and -independent manner in HT-29 cells

In this study, the release of mitochondrial proapoptotic intermembrane space proteins induced by exogenous C2-ceramide in human colon carcinoma (HT-29) cell line was investigated. HT-29 cells were treated with 12.5, 25 and 50 μmol/L C2-ceramide in vitro. Flow cytometer was used to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential (△Ψm). Subcellular fractions were extracted by Mitochondrial/Cytosol Fractionation Kit after C2-ceramide treatment for 24 h. SDS-PAGE was used to determine the level of cytochrome c (Cyt c), high temperature requirement A2 (HtrA2) and second mitochondrial-derived activator of caspases (Smac) released from mitochondria, the expression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) and caspase-3 for 24 h. The results showed that △Ψm began to decrease from 6 h after 25 and 50 μmol/L C2-ceramide treatment (P＜0.05) and cyclosporin A (CsA) could inhibit the collapse of △Ψm through regulating mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore. There was no effect of C2-ceramide on the expression of Cyt c, HtrA2 and Smac in the total levels. 12.5, 25 and 50 μmol/L C2-ceramide could induce Cyt c, HtrA2 and Smac to release from mitochondria to cytosol and down-regulate the expression of XIAP (P＜0.05). Also there was expression of cleaved caspase-3 with C2-ceramide treatment. After the treatment with caspase inhibitor, C2-ceramide still induced the release of Cyt c and HtrA2, but Smac did not. Therefore, C2-ceramide could induce apoptosis of HT-29 cells through the mitochondria pathway. The release of Cyt c, HtrA2 and Smac from mitochondria did not occur via the same mechanism, the release of Cyt c and HtrA2 was caspase-independent and the release of Smac was caspase-dependent.