Abstract: [Abstract] Objective To research inducing apoptosis function of artesunate and explore the mechanism of inhibition effect of artesunate on esophageal cancer. Methods Cell apoptosis, cell cycle, bcl-2 and bax protein expression level of Eca109 cells after the treatment of various concentration of artesunate(Art) (0、10、20、40μg/ml) for 24h were detected by flow cytometry(FCM). Results Cell apoptosis of Eca109 cells was significantly increased after the treatment of Art for 24h (P<0.05). The Eca109 cell bcl-2 protein expression level and cell proliferation index(PI) of Art group were lower than control group (P<0.05), but the bax protein expression level was higher in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion Artesunate have the inhibition effect to esophageal cancer by regulating the bcl-2, bax protein expression level and cell proliferation so inducing cell apoptosis.

Key words: Flow cytometry, esophageal carcinoma, artesunate, cell apoptosis