Fig. 1.

β-Elemene increased cisplatin-induced cell membrane changes during apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells, as detected by annexin V staining. A2780/CP or MCAS cells were treated with β-elemene alone, cisplatin alone, or β-elemene and cisplatin in combination at the indicated concentrations. After 48 h, the cells were harvested, stained using a Vybrant Apoptosis Assay kit, and analyzed by flow cytometry for annexin V-FITC and PI dual labeling. The results in a A2780/CP cells and b MCAS cells are shown. β-Elemene or cisplatin alone induced some change in the cell membrane. However, the combination of β-elemene and cisplatin resulted in considerable apoptotic membrane changes. Untreated cells were used as the negative control. UL upper left, represents necrotic cells (%); UR upper right, represents late apoptotic cells (%); LL lower left, represents viable cells (%); LR lower right, represents early apoptotic cells (%)