The Inhibitory Effect of VEGF Antisense RNA on the Growth of Esophageal Cancer Cells in vitro / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the inhibitory effect of VEGF antisense RNA on the growth of human esophageal cancer cells in vitro, in order to further investigate the feasibility of VEGF antisense RNA gene therapy of esophageal cancer. Methods: The plasmid carrying with VEGF antisense cDNA was transfected into esophageal cancer cells, and confirmed its expression by RT-PCR. The expression level of VEGFmRNA and VEGF protein was examined in antisense group by insitu hybridization and immunohistochemistry staining. The cell growth rate was detected by MTT assay. Apoptotic rate in transfected cells was detected by FCM assay. Results: The expression of exogenous antisense VEGFmRNA was confirmed in transfected cells, and the VEGF protein and endogenous VEGFmRNA were dramatically decreased. The growth rate of transfected cells was not inhibited. Apoptotic cells were not found in transfected cells. Latent period of the tumor formation of the antisense group was lengthened, while body weight, volume of tumors was significantly smaller than that of empty vector group and control group. Conclusions: VEGF antisense RNA could decrease the expression of VEGF of e-sophageal cancer and cell proliferation in vivo, which may apply a useful theory basis for gene therapy of esophageal canc-er.