Objective:To investigate the effects of sodium butyrate

the most important short chain fatty acids

on growth suppression and apoptosis of SHG-44 glioma cell line.Methods:Human glioma SHG-44 cells were treated with 2 mmol/L and 4 mmol/L sodium butyrate.The inhibition of cell growth was assessed by MTT spectropotometric analysis and immunohistochemisty methods.The apoptosis was observed by reverted microscope and transmission electron microscope.And mitochondrial transmembrane potential was detected by rhodamine 123 dyeing

which confirmed that SHG-44 cells suffered a mitochondrial path apoptosis.Results:Sodium butyrate treatment resulted in significant inhibition of cell growth

with proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression weakened.Furthermore

4 mmol/L sodium butyrate could induce the SHG-44 cells apoptosis.It was proved that cellular membrane shrunk

vacuoles existed in plasm

and apoptosis bodies occurred by morphologic observation.In addition

the △ψm was decreased in apoptosis cells after 4 mmol/L sodium butyrate treatment.Conclusion:These results indicate

in malignant glioma SHG-44 cells

sodium butyrate could not only suppress cell growth

but also induce apoptosis by a mitochondrial path.