Objective: To investigate the effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an extract of green tea on cultured human leiomyoma cells (HuLM).
Design: Laboratory study.
Setting: University hospitals.
Patient(s): Not applicable.
Intervention(s): Not applicable.
Main outcome measure(s): The HuLM cells were treated with various EGCG concentrations. Cell proliferation was assayed using Hoechst 33258 dye, and apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Total RNA was isolated, and gene expression profiling was performed on 84 key genes related to 18 different signal transduction pathways. The protein levels of PCNA, CDK4, BCL2, and BAX were examined by Western blot analysis.
Result(s):
The HuLM cells treated with EGCG showed a dose-dependent and time-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation. The TUNEL staining indicated a significant increase in apoptosis in HuLM cells treated with 100
Conclusion(s): Epigallocatechin gallate inhibits the proliferation of HuLM cells and induces apoptosis. These results suggest that EGCG may be a potential anti-uterine fibroid agent acting through multiple signal transduction pathways.
Copyright © 2010 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.