Abstract: Objective:To investigate the effects of silymarin on the proliferation, migration and invasion of human gastric cancer cell line SGC 7901 and its role in promoting apoptosis,and to clarify their possible mechanisms. Methods:The human gastric cancer SGC 7901 cells in logarithmic growth phase were selected and divided into control group (without silymarin) and different concentrations(15,30, and 60 mg·L^-1)of silymarin groups.Inverted microscope was used to observe the morphology of cells.MTT method wasused to detect the cell cycle and the apoptotic rates of cells in various groups.The inhibitory rates of proliferation of cells in various groups were detected by flow cytametry. Scratch test and Transwell chamber assay were used to detect the cell migration and invasion abilities. Results:After the SGC 7901 cells were treated with silymarin for 24 h, compared with control group, the adherent densities of the cells in 30 and 60 mg·L^-1 silymarin groups were smaller,the cell shape was irregular and the volume was smaller, resulting in a large number of cell debris.Compared with control group, the inhibitory rates of cells in different concentrations of silymarin groups were increased significantly(P<0.05); the percentages of cells in G₁ phase and the apoptosis rates of SGC 7901 cells were increased significantly(P<0.05);the migration distances were decreased(P<0.05) and the number of transmembrane cells was decreased significantly(P<0.05). Conclusion:Silymarin can inhibit the proliferation of human gastric cancer SGC 7901 cells by inducing the G₁ phase cell arrest and early apoptosis.

Key words: silymarin, human gastric cancer SGC 7901 cells, cell proliferation, cell migration, cell invasion