ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the multidrug-resistance reversal action and mechanism of dihydroartemisin (DHA) on human colon cancer cell line HCT8/ADR. Methods The cytotoxicity of dihydroartemisin combined with doxorubicin(DOX) was determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) assay and cell apoptosis was observed by flow cytometry. Western blot assay was used to measure the autophagy. Results The combined treatment with dihydroartemisin and doxorubicin significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity in HCT8/ADR cells and effectively increased the apoptotic level. Autophagy was also induced by the combined treatment , which maybe played a crucial role in the regulation of doxorubicin-sensitization of HCT8/ADR cells. Conclusion The results indicated that dihydroartemisin can reverse multidrug resistance through increasing the doxorubicin-sensitivity of HCT8/ADR cells.