【摘要】：Objective:Capsaicin is a major pungent ingredient found in hot pepper,has long been reported to control of obesity and anti-carcinogenic activities.Capsaicin induced apoptosis in a various cancer cells,however the precise molecular mechanisms have been poorly understood.In present study,the effect of capsaicin in cell viability the U87MG human glioma cells and its molecular mechanisms of cell death were investigated.Methods:U87MG cells were treated with capsaicin,measured cell viability using MTT [3(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide] assay.The apoptotic characteristics were detected by TUNEL [Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(TdT)mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate(dUTP) nick end labeling] assay and western blotting.The molecular mechanisms were evaluated through activity of procaspase-3,MAP kinases and mitochondrial pathway.Results:Capsaicin induced reduction of cell viability in dose-and time-dependent manners.Aptosis was determined based on the increase of positive TUNEL stained cells.The mechanisms of apoptosis were related with mitochondrial pathway(Bcl-2/Bax),activation of MAP kinases.Conclusion:These results suggest that capsaicin induces apoptosis in the U87MG cells and might be via a mitochondria pathway and p-38 MAPK pathway.Therefore,capsaicin will be a potential candidate for novel chemotherapeutic agent of human malignant gliomas.