Effects of Nordy on the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of HPV16 subgene-immortalized human endocervical cells*

Abstract

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Nordy on the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of HPV16 subgene-immortalized human endocervical cells (H8 cells). Methods After treatment with Nordy, H8 cell proliferation was evaluated using the MTT assay. The effects of Nordy on the cell cycle and apoptosis of H8 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM) and the Annexin V-FITC method. H8 cell MCM5 expression was detected by immunocytochemistry. Morphological changes were observed by light and electron microscopy. Telomerase activity was evaluated by TRAP-ELISA. Results We found that 10 µmol/L-100 µmol/L Nordy significantly inhibited H8 cell proliferation. After treatment with Nordy, H8 cells were blocked in the G0/G1 phase, and the rate of cell apoptosis increased significantly. Cells differentiated toward innocuousness, and MCM5 expression and telomerase activity notably decreased. Conclusion Nordy was observed to inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis in H8 cells. Nordy also induced H8 cell differentiation; this effect may have been achieved by blocking the cell cycle and decreasing telomerase activity.