OBJECTIVETo investigate whether the cell apoptosis could be induced by Coxsackie virus B (Cox B) and Qihong capsule (QHC) has the inhibition on the cell apoptosis.

METHODSCultured cells were divided into 4 groups, the Cox B infected group, the QHC treated and the Cox B infected group, the QHC control group and the normal control group. The cells apoptosis was determined by TUNEL labeled in situ, Hoechst 33258 staining and Annexin-V/PI staining, the apoptotic incidence was assayed by flow cytometry, and the change in expression of apoptotic related cytokines was measured with RT-PCR.

RESULTSThe Cox B infected cell nucleus displayed strong blue fluorescence by Hoechst 33258 staining, and typical change of apoptotic cells could be detected. HeLa cell membrane showed strong green fluorescence and nucleus showed strong red fluorescence by Annexin-V/PI staining. Flow cytometric observation on DNA of PI stained cells showed obviously an apoptotic peak in the Cox B infected group. QHC could decrease the apoptosis incidence, while there was no cell apoptosis occurred in the normal control group. Besides, QHC could regulate the expression of apoptotic related cytokines.

CONCLUSIONQHC has effect in inhibiting cell apoptosis induced by Cox B.