Abstract: In this study,epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was isolated and purified from green tea polyphenols.The effect of EGCG on cultured human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells was investigated.The apoptosis of cultured SMMC-7721 cells in different concentrations of EGCG were detected using flow cytometry.The expressions of mRNA and protein of Survivin,P53 in SMMC-7721 cells treated with EGCG were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry technique,respectively.The results showed that after treating with EGCG,the apoptosis of SMMC-7721 cells significantly raised (P<0.05);the expression levels of protein and mRNA of Survivin and P53 were down-regulated (P<0.05).These results indicated that the antineoplastic effect of EGCG was possibly induced through directly or indirectly inhibiting expressions of Survivin and P53.

Key words: EGCG, human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, apoptosis, Survivin, P53