Modulation of AHR by DIM induces ESCC cell cycle arrested in G1 phase and ESCC apoptosis with underlying related protein changes. a Cell cycle using flow cytometry indicated after DIM treatment, more cells were significantly arrested in G1 phase. b Apoptosis assay showed both early and later apoptosis rate increased in a dose-dependent manner. c Western blot indicated the down-regulation of growth and apoptosis-related proteins. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001; N.S, no significance