Figure 2

Berberine induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells. A, A549 cells were treated with increased concentrations of BBR for 24 h. Afterwards, cells were harvested for analysis of apoptosis using the Annexin V-FITC/PI Apoptosis Detection Kit as detailed in Materials and Methods Section. The AB3 quardrant (annexin V-/PI-), AB4 quadrant (annexin V+/PI-) and AB2 quadrant (annexin V+/PI+) of the histograms indicated the percentage of normal cells, early apoptosis and late apoptosis, respectively. Data are expressed as a percentage of total cells. Values in bar graphs were given as the mean ± SD from three independent experiments performed in triplicate. *indicates significant difference as compared to the untreated control group (P < 0.05). B, Apoptotic nuclear morphology changes induced by BBR treatment for 48 h were observed by Hoechst 33258 staining in A549 cells. Panel showed Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining. Arrows indicate chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation (×100 magnification). Fluorescence images were taken after Hochest 33258 staining.