Objective: To study the effect of apigenin in treatment of rats osteosarcoma apoptosis and B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2)

Bcl-2 assaciated X protein(Bax)

Caspase-3

Caspase-9 and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) protein expressions. Method: Totally 50 rats were randomly divided into model group

cisplatin group (10 mg·kg-1)

apigenin groups (1

2

4 mg·kg-1)

with 10 rats in each group. The rat osteosarcoma model was made by operation. All groups were given drups for 30 days. Oteosarcoma was collected and weighed 24 h later after the last administration. TUNEL assay was adopted for in situ labeling of apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect expressions of Bax

Bcl-2 in osteosarcoma. Caspase-3

Caspase-9 and cytochrome C(Cyt-C) expressions in osteosarcoma were tested using Western blot assay. Result: Compared with model group

apigenin-treated groups showed decrease in osteosarcoma weight

significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells

obvious up-regulation in Bax

Caspase-3

Caspase-9 and Cyt-C protein

and down-regulation in the expression of Bcl-2. Conclusion: Apigenin can increase Bax

Caspase-3

Caspase-9

the expression of Cyt-C

down-regulate the expression of Bcl-2

inhibit the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells

and induce apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells

so as to show a therapeutic and inhibitive effect on osteosarcoma.