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Induction of apoptosis by phloretin in HT‐29 human colon cancer cells

Phloretin is a flavonoid found in apples and apple‐derived products where it is present as the glucosidicform. Phloretin has been recognized as a promising cancer chemopreventive agent. The present study examined the effects of phloretin on apoptosis in HT‐29 human colon cancer cells. Cells were cultured with various concentrations of (0 ‐ 100 μmol/L) phloretin. Phloretin substantially inhibited the viable HT‐29 cell number and DNA synthesis in dose‐dependent manners. Annexin V staining of phosphatidylserine followed by flow cytometry revealed that phloretin induced apoptosis of HT‐29 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Western blot analysis of total cell lysates revealed that phloretin induced cleavage of caspase‐8, ‐9, ‐7, and ‐3, and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase. We have demonstrated that phloretin inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in HT‐29 cells, which may be mediated by its ability to activate the caspase pathways. Our finding may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of colon cancer.