Fig. 1

Sorafenib induces apoptosis and ROS generation in HCC cells. a The effect of sorafenib (Sora) on cell viability. The HCC cell lines (MHCC97L, MHCC97H, HepG2 and SMCC-7721) were treated with indicated concentrations of Sora for 24 h, and cell viability was determined by MTS assays as previously described. b–d The effect of Sora on cell apoptosis and ROS generation. The HCC cell lines were treated with Sora (4 μM for MHCC97L, MHCC97H and SMCC-7721, and 6 μM for HepG2) over a series of time points. Apoptosis was determined by DAPI staining (b); ROS generation was determined by DCFH-DA staining (c); and O₂ ^•− generation was determined by electrochemical biosensor (d). SOD: superoxide dismutase. * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01