Objective:To investigate the proliferation inhibitory effect of Genistein on human hepatic cancer cell line SMMC-7721.Method:The MTT method was used to assay the biologic activities of Genistein on SMMC-7721 at different times and in different doses.The cell cycle distribution and cell apoptotic rate were detected by flow cytometric analysis.The cell ultrastructure was observed by electron microscope.The apoptosis associated protein was detected with immunohistochemical technique.Result:Genistein could effectively inhibit SMMC-7721 in a dose and time dependent manner.IC50(72h) of Genistein to SMMC-7721 was 29.0760μmol/L.The cell growth was arrested at G2/M stage and the apoptotic rate was 8.81%.Genistein could lead to apoptosis

which was confirmed by electron microcope.The expression of Bax?Fas?Myc?iNOS?NF-kB were up-regulated

while the expression of Bcl-2

MTP53 were down-regulated.Conclusion: Genistein could inhibit the proliferation of SMMC-7721 in vitro

which is due to the arrest at G2/M stage and the apoptosis is related to the up-regulation of Bax

Fas

Myc

iNOS

NF-kB and down-regulation of Bcl-2

MTP53.