Nitidine chloride induces apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells through a pathway involving p53, p21, Bax and Bcl-2

Nitidine chloride (NC), a novel benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid, induces the growth inhibition of cancer cells. Previously it was demonstrated that SMMC-7721 human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells are highly susceptible to the antiproliferative effects of NC. However, the specific mechanisms remained unclear. In the present study the pathways of growth inhibition induced by NC in SMMC-7721 cells were investigated. The effects of NC on...