ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the mechanism of anticancer activities of the extracts of prescription 921. Methods The inhibitory effects of the extracts of prescription 921 on DNA and RNA biosyntheses in cultured prostate PC-3M were investigated with 3H-TdR or 3H-UR incorporation. Flowcytometry was applied to analyze the regulating cell cycle of the extracts of prescription 921. The expression of cell cycle related factors CyclinA, CyclinB, p21 and p27 were detected by Western-blot. Results The extracts of prescription 921 showed inhibitory effect on DNA biosyntheses. The cells of PC-3M were arrested in S-phage when treated with the extracts for 72 h. The expression level of CyclinA was down-regulated while expression of CyclinB, p21 and p27 was not altered. Conclusion The extracts of prescription of 921 play its anticancer activities by inhibiting DNA biosyntheses and arresting the cells in S-phage by down-regulating the expression of Cyclin A.