RESUMO
Objective To investigate the effects of all -trans retinoic acid (ATRA),acitretin and tazarotene on apoptosis and active caspase-3 of human melanoma cells A375 and to discuss the relevant significance.Methods The effects of retinoids on apoptosis and active caspase-3 of A375 cells were examined in vitro.Early apoptosis analysis by double staining with annexin V-FITC and PI,and active caspase 3 analysis by the staining of FITC conjugated monoclonal rabbit anti active caspase-3 antibody were measured by flow cytometer.Results ATRA and acitretin induced apoptosis of A375 cells (both P＜0.05),but tazarotene was not effective (P＞0.05).ATRA and acitretin elevated the cell population with detectable active caspase-3 (both P＜0.05),but tazarotene was not effective either (P＞0.05).Acitretin played a most prominent role among the retinoids. Early apoptosis ratio was significantly and positively correlated with active caspase-3 percentage in both ATRA and acitretin (P＜0.05).Conclusions Acitretin and ATRA induce apoptosis of A375 cells in which caspase is critical.Retinoids are prospectively applied as an assisting alternative for treating melanoma.