Bovine lactoferrin induced apoptosis in OSCC cells.

<p>(<b>A</b>) To check the effect of bLF on cell apoptosis, HSC3 cells were incubated with bLF (1 μg/ml, 10 μg/ml, and 100 μg/ml) for 48 h. Percentage of apoptotic cells were then analyzed by flow cytometry using PE Annexin V and 7-AAD. Cell populations were analyzed in four quadrants, Q1: necrotic cells, Q2: late apoptotic cells, Q3: viable cells, and Q4: early apoptotic cells. Total apoptotic cells were measured as the sum of early and late apoptotic cells. A dose-dependent increase in apoptotic cell number was observed after bLF treatment. Data were shown as the mean ± S.D (n = 3); * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01 vs control. (<b>B</b>) HSC3 cells were treated with or without bLF (1, 10, and 100 μg/ml) for 48 h. Expressions of apoptosis-related genes were analyzed by western blotting. bLF treatment inhibited the phosphorylation of BAD and Bcl2 in HSC3 cells whereas expression of cleaved caspases 9, 3, 6, and 7 was upregulated. β-actin was used as a loading control. Data are representative of 3 independent experiments (n = 3).