Introduction: Apoptosis resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
(HCC) is considered as one of the most important factors involved
in hepatocarcinogenesis and its progression. Recent experimental
research of melatonin highlights its anticancer function
through its antioxidant effect, induction of apoptosis and cell cycle
arrest, inhibition of metastasis, and suppression of angiogenesis.
The aim of our study is to explore the effect of melatonin on
casp 8 mRNA expression and Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) mRNA
expression in HepG2 HCC cell line by using real time PCR
technique to proof its apoptotic effect. Methods: HepG2 cells
were treated with 75mg melatonin then AFP mRNA expression
and casp8 expression is investigated by RT PCR. Results:
Melatonin significantly increased caspase 8 expression. The
relative expression was 2.51, 2.48 and1.89 respectively as compared
to control (P <0.001). While the expression of AFP was
down regulated by melatonin administration. The relative expression
of AFP was 0.051, 0.052 and 0.046 respectively as
compared to control (P <0.001). Conclusion: melatonin decreases
AFP gene expression and stimulates apoptosis via up
regulation of caspase 8 expression in HCC. Melatonin can be
considered as promising adjuvant for chemotherapy in HCC.