Objective: To investigate the inhibitory effects of capsaicin on pancreatic cancer SW1990 cells and explore its potential mechanism of action. Method: The pancreatic cancer SW1990 cells were treated with various concentrations of capsaicin (100

150

200

250

300 μmol · L-1)

followed by 12

24

48 h cell culture. Effects on cell proliferation were determined by a CCK-8 Kit. SW1990 cells were treated with capsaicin (150

200

250 μmol · L-1) for 24 h. The cell cycle distribution and the percentage of apoptosis were determined by flow cytometer. Caspase-3 activity was measured by spectrophotometry and the expressions of p38 and p53 were examined by Western blotting analysis. Result: Capsaicin inhibited the growth of pancreatic cancer SW1990 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometer results showed that the cell cycle was arrested at G1/G0 phase and the apoptosis rate was increased in a dose-dependent manner. Pro-caspase-3 could be activated. Moreover

the expressions of p-p38 and p-p53 were up-regulated. Conclusion: Capsaicin could inhibit the growth of SW1990 cells by inducing G1/G0 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The molecular mechanism may be realized through up-regulating p38 and its downstream p53

and activating the pro-caspase-3

then promoting cell apoptosis in pancreatic cancer.