Allicin-induced apoptosis of gastric epithelial cells is associated with changes of caspase-independent effector and involvement of PKA

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been used as a general food and a remedy in Oriental for a long time. Since garlic compounds have been also shown to inhibit growth of tumors and to modulate the activity of carcinogenesis, the effects of allicin on growth and survival in human gastric epithelial cells were evaluated by cell viability, cell cycle analysis and DNA fragmentation. Protein levels of cytochrome C, Bcl-xL, Bax and AIF were detected by Western blotting. Effects of recombinant VacA on caspase proteases activity were also determined. (omitted)